Let’s be real, no one gets excited about getting their teeth examined. Even worse, going to the dentist can be pricey. And, despite what many think, university students don’t get free dental care.
In this article, we walk you through dental care for students, where to find it, and how much it costs.
Do university students get free dental care?
Going to the dentist is not free for uni students, in most cases.
BUT - you do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment in England if, when your treatment starts, you are:
- Under 18
- Under 19 and in full-time education
So, if you’re under 19, it’s free. But 19 year old uni students pay for dental treatment, just like most other people—boo!
Free NHS treatment generally doesn’t cover cosmetic treatments unless you really need it. Cosmetic treatments are treatments that change the appearance of your teeth. Some of the most common cosmetic treatments include:
- Having your teeth whitened
- Getting braces
- Having veneers
How do I claim free dental care?
You can use the NHS eligibility checker to find out if you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment and help with other NHS charges. You'll also need to show your dentist written proof that you're eligible for financial help.
Make sure you take your proof to your appointment and tick the right box on the form before you sign it.
To check which documents you need, see this NHS leaflet.
What if I wrongly claim for free dental care?
The NHS checks free treatment claims to check that they’re valid. If you claim when you’re not entitled, even by mistake, you could face a penalty charge of £100 plus the cost of your treatment. That’s why it’s important you know if you’re entitled to free treatment before you visit the dentist.
What if I have already paid for dental care but am entitled to it for free?
If you paid for NHS treatment before finding out you are entitled to free care, you may be able to claim a refund. You'll need to claim your refund within three months of the date you made the payment. You can download a form to apply for your refund here.
How much does dental care cost if I can’t get it for free?
So, we now know that most uni students pay for the dentist. The next question is, how much it’s going to cost you!
The NHS offers three treatment bands:
- Band 1: this band costs £26.80 and includes a basic check-up, X-rays, and emergency care such as pain relief or a temporary filling
- Band 2: this includes everything in band 1 plus more complex treatments like filings, taking teeth, or root canal work. Band 2 costs £73.50
- Band 3: this costs £319.10 and covers everything in the first two bands and more. Band 3 treatments include capping teeth (where a tooth is completely covered), bridges (a fixed replacement for a missing tooth or teeth) and veneers (custom-made shells that fit over your own teeth)
If you go to a private dental practice, it’s likely to cost more.
How do I find a free dentist for students?
Some hospitals and dental schools offer free or low-cost dental services. The caveat is that it’ll be students carrying out the procedures, not fully qualified dentists.
Most need you to be referred from your own dentist or doctor but there are a few that will see you if you ask yourself. That’s one way to make your student loan last longer!
Dental hospitals generally do not give free treatment if you are already registered with a dentist elsewhere. See here for a list of centres to try.
How do I register with a dentist?
If you are not already registered with a dentist, you could ask at your university health centre. There might be a uni dental clinic they can refer you to. Alternatively, they might know of a local practice that’s happy to take students on.
Failing that, you can use the NHS find a dentist service. Search by postcode and the service will tell you whether the dentists they list are accepting new patients or not.
Home or away - where should I register with a dentist?
You might be registered with a dentist in your hometown. If so, it might be worth sticking with them. That’s because many dentists are not taking on new NHS patients.
If you aren't already registered with a dentist, the choice is yours!
Which is more convenient for you? Travelling home to see the dentists in term time or travelling to your uni town for an appointment in the holidays?
The answer to this question might rest on how soon in advance your dentist can offer you an appointment. Nowadays, you might have to wait weeks and even months to be seen.
Whichever way, you do need to be registered though because doctors can’t provide dental treatment to their patients. That’s no matter how nicely you ask!
How do I find a dentist in an emergency or out-of-hours?
If you are registered with a dentist already, they will usually try and fit you in as soon as possible,depending on how urgent your issue is.
If you’re not registered with any practice, then you can also try ringing 111 for help to find a dentist willing to see you at short notice or when your own dentist is closed.
Want to get great dental care savings with UNiDAYS?
Check out these offers:
- 30% Off HiSmile dental products
- 15% Off Philips electric toothbrushes
- 20% oOff
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