It’s worth checking to see if you could get it for free
Everyone in Scotland is entitled to free NHS dental check-ups. This includes routine review examinations.
However, some patients also qualify for completely free dental treatment. According to NHS Inform, your dentist will explain which treatments are available under the NHS and which are private.
This is so you can make an informed choice about your care and understand any costs. Treatments that you can receive on the NHS include:
- bridges
- crowns
- fillings
- root canal treatment
- preventive advice and treatment for gum disease
- orthodontic braces (according to strict criteria)
- extractions (tooth removal)
- dentures or false teeth
It notes: “Cosmetic procedures will usually need to be paid for privately.”
Who is entitled to free treatment on the NHS?
In Scotland, NHS treatment is free for:
- Everyone aged under 26
- People who are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months
- People with certificated exemption from patient charge because of income or receipt of certain benefits
It adds: “If you are exempt from patient charges during a course of treatment, tell the dentist and ensure that you bring the evidence with you. Around 40% of all patients are exempt from paying a contribution towards the cost of their NHS dental care.”
What is the NHS Low Income Scheme?
Some people may be able to get treatment at a reduced cost through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). NHS Inform explains: “The LIS helps towards some or all of the cost of NHS patient charges for those who are not automatically entitled to free treatment, who may have difficulty in paying.
“Help under the scheme is income-related and based on an assessment of each person’s ability to pay.”
What is prior approval?
Your dentist may tell you that prior approval is needed before your treatment can begin. For certain treatments or higher-cost treatment plans, dentists must get approval from NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) Practitioner Services. This process can take some time and may slightly delay the start of your treatment.
Are all treatments available on the NHS?
Not all dental treatments are available on the NHS. Cosmetic treatments, like white fillings, tooth whitening, and dental implants, are usually only available privately. Your dentist can explain what is covered by the NHS and what is private.
You can also mix NHS and private treatment on the same tooth, for example, having an NHS root canal and a private white filling. Your dentist can give you an estimate of the costs.
Am I an NHS patient?
Around 95% of people in Scotland are registered for NHS dental care. If you’re not sure about your status, check with the dentist you last visited for routine treatment.
The NHS states: “NHS patients do not pay a regular fee or retainer to their dentist. There is also no charge for an examination.
“If you’re registered with a dentist providing NHS dental care, your practice will be happy to discuss your treatment plan and costs with you before any work is carried out.”
How to register with an NHS dentist
Not all dentists accept new NHS patients, so it’s important to ask whether they can register you as an NHS patient when you first contact them. You can find an NHS dentist in your area here or enquire with your local health board. It’s your responsibility to then register with the dentist.
Once you find a dentist who can register you as an NHS patient, you will need to give them some personal details. You will be asked for your:
- Name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Contact details
Once you have provided this, you will then be given an appointment for an enhanced clinical examination. The practice may place you on a waiting list for registration until you have had this examination, even if you are given an emergency appointment.
It cautions: “You’ll be asked to complete a full medical history form before your appointment, so please ensure that you bring an up-to-date list of all medicines. This medical history will need to be completed annually.
“If you want to register your child, you should do this at the same time you register yourself. You don’t have to wait until your child’s teeth grow in; you can register them as soon as they’re born.
“You don’t need to pay a deposit for an appointment to register.”
You can see the full list of dental treatments and their cost via the NHS Inform website.
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