UK Dental Resources

Dental Care in the United Kingdom (UK)

The National Health Service (NHS) provides dental care in the United Kingdom. However, due to the long waiting lists and rising costs of the NHS, many people opt for private dental health care.

Household spending on dental care services in the UK has more than doubled in the past ten years. The consumer price index is rising continually.

Many people in the UK avoid visiting their dental practice due to the cost of treatment. Individuals may also worry that the dentist will discover something else wrong with them. Fear of the dentist, or dental anxiety, is the most common reason stopping young and older people from visiting dental professionals.

UK Oral Hygiene Resources

Many oral health resources are available for those seeking dental treatment or those who want to learn more about dental care in the UK. Consider checking these resources’ social media accounts such as their Twitter or Facebook handles for up-to-date information.

For more help on oral health and patient care in the UK, search google using your specific keywords or queries.

Resources for Adults

• United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS): Dentists
• United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS): Dental Statistics
• United Kingdom Government (GOV.UK): Oral Health 
• British Dental Association (BDA)
• BUPA Dental
• General Dental Council (CPD)
• My Dentist
• Colosseum Dental
• Dentistry Online
• Community Dental Services: Oral Health FAQs

Resources for Children 

• United Kingdom National Health Service (NHS): Children’s Teeth
• The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry
• United Kingdom Government: Child Dental Health
• BUPA: Dental Advice for Parents and Children
• My Dentist: Kid’s Club

Dental Statistics in the UK

• In the 24 months up to 30 June 2019, 22 million adults met an NHS dentist or practitioner. 
• During the 12 months up to 30 June 2019, seven million children met an NHS dentist.
• From 2018 to 2019, 39.7 million courses of NHS dental treatment were delivered. This is an increase of 1.28 percent than the previous year.
• From 2018 to 2019, 24,545 dentists performed NHS dental services. This is an increase of 237 from the previous year.
• From 2018 to 2019, 46 percent of adult clinical treatments were for scale and polishing. 
• From 2018 to 2019, 52.3 percent of clinical treatments for children were for fluoride varnish treatment.

Dental Care and the NHS

NHS England dental fees depend on the treatment required to keep an individual’s mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. Patients only have to pay a single charge for each complete course of treatment. This is even if you must visit your dentist more than once to complete it.

If patients visit another dentist for a separate course of treatment, there may be a second charge. Some minor procedures are free.

NHS Dental Charges

The Band One Course of Treatment (£22.50) covers:

• Dental checks and examinations
• Diagnosis (including radiographs)
• Top tips and health advice on how to prevent future issues
• Scale and polish if clinically required
• Preventative care such as applications of fluoride varnish and fissure sealant

The Band Two-Course of Treatment (£62.10) covers:

• Everything listed in band one
• Fillings
• Root canal work
• Tooth removal

The Band Three-Course of Treatment (£269.30) covers:

• Everything listed in bands one and two
• Crowns
• Dentures
• Bridges
• Other laboratory work

Free NHS Dental Care and Treatment

Patients don’t have to pay for NHS England dental treatment if they’re:

• Under 18 years old
• Under 19 years old and in full-time education
• Pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
• Being treated at an NHS England hospital (the hospital dentist carries out the procedure)
• Receiving low-income benefits
• Under 20 years old and are dependent on someone receiving low-income benefits

Low-Income Benefits

Patients are eligible for free NHS dental treatment and patient care if they or their spouse (including a civil partner) receive:

• Income Support 
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance 
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance 
• Pension Credit 
• Guarantee Credit Universal Credit (in some circumstances)

Certificates to Help with Dental Care Costs

Individuals can receive free NHS dental treatment and health advice if they’re entitled to or named on:

• A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate 
• A valid HC2 certificate. This is available for people with low incomes.

Those named on an NHS certificate for partial help with dental health costs (HC3) may also receive dental assistance. When visiting general dental practitioners, patients must show written proof so they don’t have to pay for all or part of their NHS treatment. Then, patients must sign a form to confirm that they don’t have to pay.