This is guidance based on published NHS rates and eligibility rules. For your specific treatment, speak to your dental practice. For help with costs, contact the NHS Business Services Authority on 0300 330 1343.

Updated 17 April 2026

NHS Dental Charges by Age and Life Stage 2026

NHS dental charges depend on your age, life stage, and eligibility. Here is a clear guide to what each age group pays, who pays nothing, and what the common misconceptions are.

Quick reference by age and life stage

Age / life stageWhat you payNotes
Under 18FreeAll dental treatment free
Under 19 in qualifying education (sixth form / college)FreeNot university
Pregnant (with MatEx certificate)FreeFrom week 11 before due date
Within 12 months of giving birthFreeSame MatEx certificate
University student (18+)Standard band chargesMay qualify via HC2 if low income
Working-age adultBand 1 £27.90 / Band 2 £76.60 / Band 3 £332.10Unless on qualifying benefits
On qualifying benefitsFreeIncome Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, qualifying UC
HC2 certificate holderFreeLow income scheme
HC3 certificate holderReduced (amount on certificate)Partial low income help
Pensioner (state pension only)Standard band chargesAge alone does not exempt
Pensioner on Pension Credit Guarantee CreditFreeOnly Guarantee Credit qualifies, not Savings Credit
Any age in ScotlandFree examination + 80% capped at £384Under-26s: all free

Children under 18

All NHS dental treatment is completely free for anyone under 18. This includes check-ups, X-rays, fillings, extractions, fissure sealants, fluoride treatments, and orthodontic appliances (where clinically necessary). There is no parental income test.

What is covered: everything clinically necessary. What is not covered: cosmetic whitening, cosmetic veneers, purely aesthetic work.

Children who qualify for NHS orthodontics (IOTN grade 3.6+) receive this treatment free. The NHS orthodontic waiting list can be long; some parents choose private clear aligners for mild issues not meeting the IOTN threshold.

Students

Under-19 in sixth form or college: Free. Qualifying education is A levels, AS levels, BTECs, NVQs (1-3), and foundation courses at school or college. Not university.

University students (19+): Standard band charges apply unless they qualify on other grounds. University students with low income and savings under £16,000 may qualify for an HC2 certificate through the low income scheme (HC1 application). Student loans are partially counted as income but many full-time students on maintenance loans alone do qualify. Apply via nhsbsa.nhs.uk or call 0300 330 1343.

Pregnancy and new mothers

Pregnant women and new mothers are entitled to free NHS dental treatment from the start of week 11 before the expected due date until 12 months after the birth. The certificate (Maternity Exemption Certificate, MatEx) covers all NHS dental treatment and NHS prescriptions during this period.

Apply for the MatEx as early in pregnancy as possible. Your midwife or GP arranges the application. The certificate is issued by NHSBSA and typically arrives within 2-3 weeks.

Dental health in pregnancy: pregnancy hormones can affect gum health (pregnancy gingivitis is common). Use your free dental entitlement to have a check-up and hygiene visit during pregnancy.

Pensioners: the biggest misconception

Common myth: pensioners get free NHS dental treatment

Age alone does not entitle anyone to free NHS dental treatment in England. A state pension retiree, even on a modest income, pays the standard band charges (Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10) unless they qualify under a separate category.

Pensioners who DO get free NHS dental treatment:

Retired pensioners on modest incomes but above the HC2 threshold should check whether they qualify for Pension Credit. The Pension Credit threshold in 2026/27 is approximately £218.15 per week for a single person. Many pensioners who qualify for Pension Credit do not claim it.

Frequently asked questions

Are all children's NHS dental treatments free?
Yes. All NHS dental treatment is free for anyone under 18 in England, including check-ups, fillings, extractions, and orthodontic appliances where clinically indicated. There is no parental income test. The only treatment not available is purely cosmetic work (whitening, cosmetic veneers).
What qualifies as 'full-time qualifying education' for the free dental treatment exemption?
Qualifying full-time education for the under-19 exemption includes A levels, AS levels, BTECs, NVQs Level 1-3, foundation courses, and other secondary or further education qualifications studied at school or college. University degree and higher education courses are not qualifying education for this purpose. If your 19th birthday falls mid-course, check with your dentist about continuing entitlement.
Do university students get free NHS dental treatment?
No, not automatically. University students do not qualify for free NHS dental treatment on the basis of being a student. They may qualify on other grounds: if under 19 (unlikely for university students), if on qualifying benefits, or if their income and savings are low enough to qualify for an HC2 certificate through the low income scheme (HC1 application). Student loans are partially counted as income in the assessment.
Are pensioners entitled to free NHS dental treatment?
Age alone does not entitle anyone to free NHS dental treatment in England. This is one of the most common misconceptions. Pensioners only qualify if they receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or if they hold an HC2 certificate through the low income scheme. Pension Credit Savings Credit alone does not qualify. A state pension retiree on average income pays standard band charges.
Is dental treatment free for over-60s in England?
No. England does not provide free NHS dental treatment for over-60s on the basis of age alone. The NHS dental charges apply regardless of age unless the patient qualifies under one of the eleven exemption categories (pregnancy, qualifying benefits, HC2 etc.). Some other UK nations have more generous provision: Scotland offers free examinations for all ages and free treatment for under-26s.
How do I get a Maternity Exemption Certificate for free dental treatment during pregnancy?
Ask your midwife or GP to arrange a Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx). It is issued by the NHS Business Services Authority and sent by post. Apply as early in pregnancy as possible, as processing can take 2-3 weeks. The certificate is valid from the start of week 11 before your expected due date until 12 months after the birth, covering dental treatment and NHS prescriptions.
What dental treatment are children entitled to on the NHS?
Children under 18 are entitled to all clinically necessary NHS dental treatment including check-ups, X-rays, fillings, extractions, fissure sealants, fluoride treatments, and orthodontic appliances (where they meet the clinical eligibility criteria, typically IOTN grade 3.6+). All treatment is free. Recall intervals are set by the dentist based on the child's dental health.
What is the IOTN score and how does it affect children's orthodontic treatment?
The Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN) is a scoring system dentists use to assess whether orthodontic treatment is clinically necessary. Children with scores of grade 3.6 or above (higher need) typically qualify for NHS orthodontic treatment. Those with scores below 3.6 (mild irregularities only) do not qualify for NHS braces and would need private treatment if desired.

Related guides

Full free treatment guideHC1/HC2 low income schemeScotland (under-26s free)All NHS dental charges