The UK National Health Service continues to provide the best dental care possible for the British population. Put simply, the NHS will take care of anything and everything about your teeth, from crowns to fillings, to dental implants, to veneers and the removal of wisdom teeth. All of this is provided by the NHS and – if you qualify – you can get free NHS dental care too!
What is NHS Dentistry and How Does It Work?
NHS dentistry is the standard of care provided by the UK’s National Health Service whenever dental work is needed. The NHS is – of course – free to all who qualify for coverage. If you need something done about your teeth, you’ll likely be sent to your local NHS dentist for treatment.
The NHS dentist will take care of all of your dental needs, from cleaning, to filling cavities, to crowns, veneers, and bridges. NHS dentistry works in the following way:
Your NHS dentist will provide your treatment as far as they are able. When your dentist is unable to treat you, they’ll refer you to another NHS dentist who can take care of you.
If your dentist cannot supply your care and cannot refer you to someone who can, your treatment will be covered by a comprehensive dental plan that you have purchased with your dental insurance.
Who Qualifies for Free NHS Dentistry?
So, who qualifies for free NHS dentistry? All of the UK’s UK citizens qualify to receive free NHS dental care when they need it. If you are a citizen of the United Kingdom, you can take advantage of the free NHS, and you’ll be eligible for free NHS dental care if you meet the following qualifications:
- If you are 18-years-old and below, or still receiving full-time education;
- If you are pregnant or gave birth within the last 12 months;
- If you are treated at an NHS hospital with their in-house dentist;
- If you are getting low-income benefits or is dependent on someone with low-income benefits;
What is the Difference Between NHS Dentistry vs Private Dentistry?
As we’ve discussed, there are two ways to get your dental care in the UK: NHS dentistry and private dentistry. Both are as good as each other, provided you are getting the treatment you need.
NHS dentistry is provided to you by the National Health Service, and you will be treated at your local NHS dentist’s office.
Private dentistry is provided by dentists who have not joined the National Health Service; instead, they are private dentists who are free to set their own prices and offer their services to those who can afford them.
Setting Up an NHS Dentistry Appointment: The Basics
Setting up an appointment with your NHS dentist is as easy as it can be. You can either phone them or go there in person to set up an appointment. All of your contact information will be used to confirm your appointment, and that’s all there is to set up an appointment with the National Health Service.
As for the treatment plans, there are multiple options for NHS Dentistry Bands such as the following:
- Emergency Dental Treatment (For all dental emergencies.)
- Band 1 Course of Treatment (Covers examination, diagnosis, and preventive care.)
- Band 2 Course of Treatment (Covers all of Band 1, with the addition of fillings, root canal work, and tooth removal.)
- Band 3 Course of Treatment (Covers all of Band 1 and Band 2, with the addition of crowns, dentures, bridges, and laboratory work.)
The Bottom Line: Make the Most of NHS Dentistry
As you can see, the National Health Service is a choice that can be made by British citizens and should be taken advantage of by anyone in need of quality dental care.
If you are experiencing dental problems, be sure to head over to your local National Health Service dentist, as they are ready and willing to fix whatever ails you.
Are You Looking for an NHS Emergency Dentist in the UK?
If you need to see a dentist near you urgently, you can now search for the nearest NHS dentist on the NHS Emergency Dentist website.
