Going to the dentist isn’t exactly everybody’s idea of an enjoyable outing. And with standard check-ups usually costing £27.40, it’s understandable why many people avoid them entirely.

Nevertheless, you might be surprised to learn that some people residing in England could be entitled to complimentary dental appointments and treatments through the NHS. This especially relates to those within a specific age bracket and anybody receiving various key benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Below, The Express has examined who qualifies for this and what actions you can pursue next. If you’ve paid for NHS dental treatment but find you are entitled to free appointments, you may also be eligible for a refund.

Who can receive free NHS dental appointments and treatment in England?

According to the NHS, there are five categories of people who automatically qualify for complimentary NHS dental care. As reported by the Mirror, these specifically encompass the following:

• You’ve had a stillbirth in the past 12 months
• You’re getting treatment in an NHS hospital from a hospital dentist (but you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges)
• You receive War Pension Scheme payments, or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and the treatment is for your accepted disability
• You’re aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
• You’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months

Beyond this, you might qualify if you or your partner is receiving at least one of six benefits. Dependents under 20 years old may benefit from this, too, provided you are claiming:

• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
• Universal Credit – but only if your income is below a certain amount
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

It’s crucial to note that these rules apply only to NHS dental treatments. If you pursue private care, you’ll be responsible for the cost. Typically, you’ll also need to supply evidence of eligibility for free NHS care, though this may vary depending on the grounds for your exemption. Examples of proof approved by the NHS include:

• A valid maternity exemption certificate
• A maternity certificate (MatB1)
• A notification of birth form, or your baby’s birth certificate
• A stillbirth certificate
• A valid HC2 certificate – available for people on a low income
• Your birth certificate

Nonetheless, official NHS advice adds: “If you receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and get free dental treatment, you’ll usually need to pay for it yourself first and claim the money back from Veterans UK.”

How can I verify my eligibility?

If you think you’re eligible for free NHS dental care, visit the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website to confirm. The site provides a free eligibility test that typically takes about three minutes to complete.

If you qualify, it will guide you through the subsequent steps to claim assistance. Anyone who believes they have been wrongly charged for NHS dental appointments may be entitled to a refund.

What is the NHS Low Income Scheme?

Even if you don’t qualify for free dental care, you might still be able to receive financial aid through the NHS Low Income Scheme. This scheme not only covers dental visits but also assists with other essential costs like prescriptions, eye tests, wigs, and travel expenses for treatment.

The amount you’re eligible to receive largely depends on your weekly income, savings, and essential outgoings at the time of application. You can only apply online if you have no capital or savings exceeding £6,000, and must also meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Receiving state benefits
• Living in a care home
• A pensioner
• A student
• Earning a wage

Advice from the NHSBSA adds: “If the amount you have left is low, you may be able to get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Any help you’re entitled to is also available to your partner, if you have one.

“If you have already paid for treatment, you can apply for a refund at the same time as you apply for the scheme. We will normally assess your application within 18 working days from the date we get your form.”

For more information on the help available, head to the NHSBSA website here.