what is nhs dental treatment?

by Dr. Jameson Bradtke Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

NHS dental treatments include:

dentures
root-canal treatment
crowns and bridges
fillings
preventive treatment (such as a scale and polish, when needed)
orthodontic (teeth straightening) treatment for children and young people aged under 18.

The NHS will provide any clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain. Decisions about which treatment is appropriate will be based on a clinical assessment and clinical judgement.

Full Answer

What dental treatment is available on the NHS?

With the exception of teeth whitening, implants and veneers, the treatments on this page are usually available on the NHS. Find out more about NHS dental charges. Always ask your dentist whether the treatment they're recommending is available on the NHS and how much it'll cost before you go ahead. Bridges

Do I have to pay for NHS dental treatment?

Dental treatment for people with special needs. How to find an NHS dentist. What happens when you visit an NHS dentist. Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England? How can I access an NHS dentist in an emergency or out of hours?

Why is the NHS so good for dentistry?

If you normally pay for NHS dental treatment, the amount you spend will depend on what treatment you need. Some people do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment. Find out who's entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England. NHS dental charges. There are 3 NHS charge bands: Band 1: £23.80. Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice.

How long are NHS dental treatments guaranteed for?

Mar 04, 2021 · preventive treatment (such as a scale and polish, when needed) orthodontic (teeth straightening) treatment for children and young people aged under 18. The NHS will not cover cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, which improve the appearance of teeth but are not clinically necessary.

What does NHS stand for in dentistry?

the National Health Service in the United Kingdom

Dentistry provided by the National Health Service in the United Kingdom is supposed to ensure that dental treatment is available to the whole population. Most dentistry is provided by private practitioners, most of whom also provide, on a commercial basis, services which the NHS does not provide, largely cosmetic.

What is the difference between NHS and private root canal treatment?

In summary NHS dentistry is designed to be functional, whereas private dentistry is usually functional and cosmetic. Each treatment plan is individual and it is best to discuss with your dentist the available NHS and private options.

What is the benefit of NHS dentist?

Shorter Wait Times

One of the main benefits of seeing a private dentist is wait times. Choosing an NHS dentist can see you waiting weeks/months to even confirm an appointment, often leaving people discouraged and disinterested about the dentist – which isn't what we want.Dec 21, 2020

Is everyone in the UK entitled to NHS dental treatment?

Everyone is entitled to NHS dental treatment to keep their teeth and gums healthy and free from pain. So, if you need dental treatment then you should be able to get it on the NHS.

Are NHS dentists free?

You're entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you have applied to the NHS Low Income Scheme and received an HC2 certificate for full help with health costs.

Is gum grafting free on NHS?

fillings. free gingival grafts – when healthy tissue from the roof of your mouth is attached to your teeth where the root is exposed. frenectomy, frenoplasty or frenotomy – surgery to the folds of tissue that connect your tongue, lips and cheeks to your jaw bone.

Who is entitled to free NHS treatment?

You are exempt if you are a member of Her Majesty's armed forces. This will include your spouse or civil partner and any children under 18, as long as they are lawfully present in the UK. As the principal exempt family member, you do not have to be in the UK with your family at the time of their treatment.

What is the difference between private and NHS dentist?

Are private fillings better than NHS?

The difference is that the private dentist will offer better quality of work, more time, and less volume. On the NHS you get quick, poor quality work, but more volume.Feb 9, 2021

Why is dentistry not covered by NHS?

Dentists attribute closures and service changes to problems with recruitment and increased running costs. They say the money they receive from the NHS, and the contract requirements (including financial penalties), make it impossible to provide dental provision in a financially viable way.Apr 12, 2021

Is dental care free in UK?

Dentistry in the UK is not free and can be expensive. Dental treatment that is medically necessary to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and pain-free is available on the NHS, but most adults have to pay a contribution towards their care.Sep 30, 2021

Is dental treatment free for over 60 in UK?

Dental treatment is free if you or your partner receive any of these benefits: Guarantee credit part of Pension Credit. Income Support. Income-related Employment and Support Allowance.Apr 20, 2021

Does the NHS provide dental care?

The NHS will provide any clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain. Decisions about which treatment is appropriate will be based on a clinical assessment and clinical judgement. Your dentist must make clear which treatments can be provided on the NHS and which can only be provided on ...

Can wisdom teeth be removed on the NHS?

Wisdom teeth can be removed on the NHS when clinically necessary. Your dentist will assess the need for removal based on guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Your dentist may perform the procedure or refer you to a dentist with additional experience.

What is the treatment for crooked teeth?

Orthodontics. Orthodontics is a type of dental treatment that aims to improve the appearance, position and function of crooked or abnormally arranged teeth. There is a standard method for assessing whether orthodontic treatment is clinically necessary and available on the NHS. Treatment for minor irregularities is not provided by the NHS.

What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontics is a type of dental treatment that aims to improve the appearance, position and function of crooked or abnormally arranged teeth. There is a standard method for assessing whether orthodontic treatment is clinically necessary and available on the NHS. Treatment for minor irregularities is not provided by the NHS. ...

What is a root canal?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to treat infection at the centre of a tooth (the root canal system). This treatment is available on the NHS (Band 2, £65.20).

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure to treat infection at the centre of a tooth ( the root canal system). This treatment is available on the NHS (Band 2, £65.20). Your dentist should be able to provide it for you or, where the treatment is complex, refer you to a practitioner with additional skills.

Is a white filling band 2?

Where clinically appropriate, white fillings are available on the NHS and are generally charged as Band 2. For example, if you need a filling in one of your front teeth (incisors and canines), the filling material of choice may be a white filling.

NHS dental charges

Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish, and planning for further treatment.

What if I need more treatment?

If, within 2 calendar months of completing a course of treatment, you need more treatment from the same or lower charge band, such as another filling, you do not have to pay anything extra.

Referral to another dentist

If you're referred to another dentist to complete your treatment, the amount you pay is dependent on the type of referral and whether the NHS treatment is carried out as 1 course of treatment.

Who is entitled to free dental care?

People in certain groups are entitled to free NHS dental treatment, including those under 18, those under 19 still receiving full-time education, pregnant women or those who have had a baby in the last 12 months, and those on qualifying low-income benefits.

How to do a dental exam?

In your dental examination the dentist should: 1 examine your mouth, teeth and gums 2 ask about your health in general and any dental problems since your last visit 3 ask about and advise on diet, smoking and drinking 4 ask about the way you clean your teeth and give advice on keeping them healthy 5 explain risks and costs of any treatment you may need

Low income benefits

You're entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you or your spouse (including civil partner) receive:

Certificates to help with health costs

You can receive free NHS dental treatment if you're entitled to or named on:

Benefits

If you’re getting one of these benefits, your partner and any dependent young people under 20 are also entitled to free treatment.

Tax credits

If you meet these conditions, you will automatically receive an NHS tax credit exemption certificate.

Pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the last 12 months

You are entitled to free NHS dental treatment if, at the time you are accepted for your course of treatment, you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months.

Low income (including students and pensioners)

You’re entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you have applied to the NHS Low Income Scheme and received an HC2 certificate for full help with health costs.

People who receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments

You can claim money back for dental treatment, NHS travel costs, sight test, glasses or contact lenses if you receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and the treatment is for your accepted disability.

Help with NHS dental charges

If you have a low income, you may be eligible for free NHS dental treatment. You can check if you are eligible, and you can apply for help towards the cost of NHS dental charges.

NHS dentistry – Value for money and limitations

The true cost of the treatment provided is usually much more than you are required to pay. NHS dental treatment is heavily subsidised by taxes and by each individual dentist’s goodwill, and therefore excellent value for money.

Setting the record straight on NHS dental charges

The British Dental Association wants to set the record straight on the increase of NHS dental charges:

Can the government limit dental care?

In private dentistry, the government cannot limit the care you receive. Private dental treatment is only limited by the skills of the dentist and what you are willing to pay.

Is the NHS a good asset?

The NHS is a fantastic asset. In dentistry , the NHS provides all dental treatment required to maintain your oral health at minimal or no cost upfront. The government artificially sets the price you pay low, and subsidises the cost with taxes.