Dental treatment is one of the health costs people put off because of money, and putting it off is exactly what turns a £27.90 problem into a £332.10 one. Here is every route to cheaper or free care, in roughly the order to try them.
1. Check whether you should be paying at all
NHS dental treatment is free if you are under 18, under 19 in full time education, pregnant or within 12 months of giving birth, or receive Income Support, income based JSA, income related ESA, Pension Credit guarantee credit, or Universal Credit with earnings under the threshold. See who gets free NHS dental treatment. A surprising number of people pay when they do not have to.
2. Apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme
If you are not on a qualifying benefit but money is tight, fill in form HC1. If your income and savings are below the limits you get an HC2 certificate (all NHS dental charges free) or an HC3 (partial help). It also covers prescriptions, sight tests and travel to hospital. It takes a few weeks, so apply before you need treatment if you can.
3. Get an NHS place rather than paying privately
The NHS band charges are far below private prices: a check up is £27.90 against about £65 privately, a root canal £76.60 against about £450. Finding an NHS dentist takes persistence, but it is the single biggest saving. Our guide on why you cannot find an NHS dentist sets out what works.
4. Dental schools
University dental hospitals treat patients free or at reduced cost, with students supervised by qualified dentists. Appointments are longer and there may be a wait, but the care is good. See dental schools and where they are.
5. Charities and community services
- Dentaid runs mobile dental units and clinics for people who cannot otherwise access care, often working with food banks, homeless services and community groups.
- Community dental services, run by the NHS, treat people who cannot use a high street practice, including those with disabilities or complex needs. Your GP or local Integrated Care Board can refer you.
6. Spread the cost
If you are going private, a dental plan at £15 to £30 a month covers routine care, and most practices offer 0% finance on larger treatments over a year or two. Get the total and the exclusions in writing first. See dental payment plans and finance.
In pain right now with no money
Call NHS 111. They can book an urgent NHS appointment, which costs £27.90 or nothing if you are exempt or hold an HC2. Do not let cost stop you getting an abscess or severe pain seen; a spreading infection is dangerous and A&E treats it free if it reaches that point.
What not to do
Avoid unregulated "dentists", whitening salons and treatment bought online without seeing a dental professional. Cheap treatment that goes wrong is the most expensive kind.
This is general information, not financial or clinical advice.