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DentalWatch

Who gets free NHS dental treatment

Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England, the proof you need, HC2 and HC3 certificates, and how to avoid a penalty charge.

Last reviewed 7 November 2026

NHS dental treatment is free in England for some groups. Everyone else pays the standard NHS charges.

You get free NHS dental treatment if you are

  • under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
  • pregnant, or you've had a baby in the last 12 months
  • within 12 months of a stillbirth
  • being treated by a hospital dentist in an NHS hospital (you may still pay for dentures or bridges)
  • getting War Pension Scheme payments or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments for an accepted disability

You also qualify if you, or your partner, get:

  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • Universal Credit, if your earnings are below a set limit. Use the NHSBSA eligibility checker to see whether yours are.

Dependants under 20 of someone getting these benefits also qualify.

Proof you may be asked for

Take proof to your appointment. Depending on why you qualify, this could be:

  • a valid HC2 certificate (NHS Low Income Scheme, full help)
  • a valid maternity exemption certificate, a MatB1, or your baby's birth certificate
  • your birth certificate (for age)
  • proof of the benefit you receive

Low income but not on these benefits?

Apply to the NHS Low Income Scheme. Depending on your income you'll get an HC2 certificate (full help, so treatment is free) or an HC3 certificate (partial help, which shows how much you pay).

Avoid a penalty charge

If you claim free treatment when you're not entitled, you can be fined a penalty charge on top of the treatment cost. Check before you tick the box. If you're unsure, pay and claim a refund later if you turn out to qualify.

Free care still needs a practice

Being entitled to free care doesn't guarantee you a place. Search for practices accepting "adults entitled to free dental care". DentalWatch shows this as a separate status, because some practices accept these patients when they're full for others.

Sources

This guide explains costs and routes to care. It isn't medical advice. For urgent symptoms call NHS 111 or, in an emergency, 999. See our editorial policy.