Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?
Several groups qualify for completely free NHS dental care in England. Eligibility is checked at the time of treatment. Here is the complete list of who qualifies, what counts as proof, and how to claim a refund if you paid when you were entitled to free treatment.
Updated 28 March 2026
You qualify for free NHS dental treatment if you are:
- +Under 18 years old
- +Under 19 and in full-time education
- +Pregnant
- +Had a baby in the last 12 months
- +Receiving Universal Credit (in most cases)
- +Receiving income-based JSA
- +Receiving income-related ESA
- +Receiving Income Support
- +Receiving Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
- +Named on an NHS Low Income Scheme HC2 certificate
Age-Based Entitlement
Children and young people in education are automatically entitled to free NHS dental treatment with no application needed.
Under 18
Anyone under 18 years old receives free NHS dental treatment in England. This includes all three charge bands: check-ups, fillings, root canals, crowns, dentures, and urgent treatment. There is no limit on the number of appointments or courses of treatment.
You do not need to provide proof beyond your date of birth. The dental practice will confirm your age. Children should visit the dentist regularly from age one, and check-ups are completely free.
Under 19 and in full-time education
If you are 18 or under 19 and in full-time education (school, college, or equivalent), you continue to receive free dental treatment. This applies whether you are studying A-levels, a BTEC, an apprenticeship that counts as full-time education, or any other full-time course.
Once you turn 19 or leave full-time education (whichever comes first), you lose automatic entitlement unless you qualify under another category such as benefits or low income. You may be asked to provide evidence of your student status.
Pregnancy and New Mothers
Hormonal changes during pregnancy affect dental health significantly. Gum disease, increased tooth decay, and pregnancy gingivitis are all more common. The NHS recognises this by making dental treatment free during and after pregnancy.
During pregnancy
If you are pregnant, all NHS dental treatment is free for the duration of your pregnancy. This covers check-ups, fillings, crowns, and any other treatment needed. You need to show a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx) at the dental practice.
Your midwife or GP can issue the MatEx certificate. It covers dental treatment from the start of your pregnancy to 12 months after your due date, so you are covered for the full period even if the certificate is issued late.
12 months after giving birth
Free dental treatment continues for 12 months from your baby's date of birth, not from your due date. If your baby was born three weeks late, the 12-month period starts from the actual birth date.
Your Maternity Exemption Certificate covers this period automatically. Make sure you keep using your dental entitlement during this window as postnatal hormonal changes continue to affect dental health.
Benefits That Qualify for Free Treatment
People receiving certain means-tested benefits are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. The key word is means-tested: not all benefits qualify. Here is a precise breakdown.
Universal Credit
People receiving Universal Credit are entitled to free NHS dental treatment in most circumstances. There are some conditions: you must have no earnings (or earnings below the threshold used by DWP) in the assessment period used to confirm your entitlement.
If you are working and receiving Universal Credit as a top-up to low wages, you may not automatically qualify. The simplest way to confirm is to apply for an HC1 form (NHS Low Income Scheme) which provides a definitive assessment of your entitlement, or ask your dental practice to check your UC award letter.
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA)
Receiving income-based JSA qualifies you for free dental treatment. Note that contribution-based JSA does not qualify. If you are unsure which type you receive, check your award letter or contact the Jobcentre.
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Income-related ESA qualifies you for free treatment. Contribution-based ESA does not. If you receive New Style ESA (which replaced contribution-based ESA), this is not means-tested and does not automatically qualify you unless you also receive Universal Credit.
Income Support
Income Support qualifies you for free NHS dental treatment. Income Support was largely replaced by Universal Credit for new claimants, but existing claimants may still receive it and retain their dental entitlement.
Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
Pension Credit recipients are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. This applies to the Guarantee Credit element specifically. If you are 75 or over and receive Pension Credit, you are also entitled to a free NHS sight test and help with the cost of glasses.
NHS Low Income Scheme (HC1 / HC2)
The NHS Low Income Scheme (formerly known as the HC1 scheme) provides help with NHS costs including dental treatment for people on a low income who do not receive a qualifying benefit.
How to apply
Complete form HC1 (Help with health costs), available from NHS dental practices, GPs, hospitals, Jobcentres, or online at nhs.uk. Return the completed form to the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA).
The NHSBSA will assess your income against the NHS means test. If you qualify, you will receive an HC2 certificate, which gives full help with NHS costs including free dental treatment. If you partially qualify, you receive an HC3 certificate which gives reduced help and a cap on what you pay.
HC2 vs HC3
Full entitlement to free dental treatment. Valid for up to 12 months. Show it at your dental appointment.
Partial help. States a maximum amount you should pay for NHS dental treatment, and the NHS contributes the rest.
Paid When You Were Entitled to Free Treatment?
If you paid an NHS dental charge but were actually entitled to free treatment, you can claim a refund. You have three months from the date of payment to do this.
How to claim a refund
- Ask your dental practice for form FP57 at the time you pay. By law, the practice must give you this form when you pay an NHS charge.
- Complete the form and submit it with evidence of your entitlement (e.g. benefit award letter, maternity exemption certificate).
- Send it to the NHS Business Services Authority within three months of the payment date.
- Contact the NHSBSA on 0300 330 1343 if you need assistance or did not receive form FP57.
Common Questions
Does my partner's entitlement extend to me?
No. Dental entitlement is individual. Your partner receiving Universal Credit does not automatically qualify you unless you are also named as part of their claim and receive the benefit yourself.
I am on Working Tax Credit. Do I get free dental treatment?
Working Tax Credit alone does not qualify you for free NHS dental treatment. However, if you receive Child Tax Credit alongside a low income and no or very small Working Tax Credit element, you may qualify. Apply for the HC1 form to get a formal assessment of your entitlement.
Do asylum seekers get free NHS dental treatment?
People whose asylum claim is being assessed and who are receiving support from the Home Office are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. This entitlement is based on receiving asylum support, not on immigration status per se.
Does free treatment cover all dental work including cosmetic treatment?
Free NHS dental treatment covers everything that is available on the NHS, which means clinically necessary work only. Cosmetic treatments like tooth whitening, cosmetic veneers, and implants are generally not available on the NHS regardless of eligibility status. Free treatment means you pay nothing for NHS treatment, but does not extend the range of treatments available to you.
Entitlement rules shown apply in England only and reflect the rules as of March 2026. Eligibility criteria are set by NHS England and NHSBSA and are subject to change. Always confirm your entitlement with your dental practice before treatment. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.