Updated 17 April 2026
Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment in 2026
Eleven categories of people pay nothing for NHS dental treatment. Here is every category, exactly who qualifies, and what proof you need to bring to your dentist.
Quick eligibility check
Age
Under 18? Free.
Under 19 and in sixth form or college? Free.
Any other age? Check benefits below.
Pregnancy
Pregnant or gave birth in the last 12 months? Free with Maternity Exemption Certificate.
Benefits / income
On Income Support, Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit), qualifying UC or HC2? Free.
The eight main free treatment categories
Children under 18
All NHS dental treatment is free for anyone under 18, regardless of their parents' income or employment. This covers check-ups, fillings, extractions, orthodontics (where clinically necessary), and all other NHS dental care.
Proof to bring
No certificate needed. Your dentist will ask for confirmation of date of birth.
Common mistake
Some parents are not aware this extends to orthodontic appliances if the child qualifies clinically.
Under-19 in qualifying full-time education
Free NHS dental treatment extends to the 19th birthday for anyone in qualifying full-time education. This includes sixth form, A levels, NVQs at school or college, and BTECs. University is not qualifying education for this purpose.
Proof to bring
No formal certificate, but your dentist may ask for proof of age and a letter from your school or college confirming full-time study.
Common mistake
University students often assume they still qualify. They do not, unless they separately qualify via low income.
Pregnant women
Pregnant women are entitled to free NHS dental treatment from the start of the 11th week before the expected due date until 12 months after the birth. The certificate covers all NHS dental care, not just treatment related to the pregnancy.
Proof to bring
Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx). Your midwife or GP arranges this. Apply as early in pregnancy as possible, as processing can take a few weeks.
Common mistake
Some women wait too long to apply, missing entitlement during early pregnancy. Apply as soon as you have a confirmed due date.
Women who gave birth in the last 12 months
Free treatment continues for 12 months after the birth date, covered by the same Maternity Exemption Certificate. You do not need a new certificate after delivery; the original MatEx extends automatically.
Proof to bring
Your existing Maternity Exemption Certificate. If you have a new dental appointment after the birth, bring the same certificate.
Common mistake
Not realising that the exemption continues for a year after birth, covering that whole period.
Income Support recipients
People receiving Income Support are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. Income Support is now largely closed to new claimants (replaced by Universal Credit) but those already receiving it retain entitlement.
Proof to bring
Benefits award letter or most recent benefit payment statement confirming Income Support.
Common mistake
Confusing Income Support with other benefits. Income-based (not contributory) JSA and income-related (not contributory) ESA also qualify.
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit recipients
Recipients of Pension Credit Guarantee Credit are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. Pension Credit Savings Credit alone does not qualify. If you receive both elements, you qualify.
Proof to bring
Pension Credit award letter confirming Guarantee Credit component.
Common mistake
Receiving only the Savings Credit element and assuming this qualifies. It does not. Only the Guarantee Credit element gives free treatment entitlement.
Universal Credit recipients (below earnings threshold)
Universal Credit entitles you to free NHS dental treatment only if your earned income in your last assessment period was below the threshold. Without housing or childcare elements: £435 per assessment period. With housing or childcare elements: £935 per assessment period. If your earnings exceeded this, UC does not entitle you to free treatment.
Proof to bring
Universal Credit payment statement or online journal entry showing your UC includes a dental entitlement, or your payment details if you know your earnings were below threshold.
Common mistake
Many UC recipients claim free treatment without checking the earnings threshold. This can result in a Penalty Charge Notice.
HC2 certificate holders (low income scheme)
An HC2 certificate, awarded through the NHS Low Income Scheme (apply via form HC1), entitles you to free NHS dental treatment. HC3 certificates provide partial help, stating the maximum you pay per course. If you are not on qualifying benefits but have low income and savings under £16,000, you may qualify. See the HC1/HC2 scheme guide.
Proof to bring
HC2 or HC3 certificate (issued by NHSBSA). Must be valid on the date of treatment.
Common mistake
Not applying because you assume you will not qualify. The HC1 assessment is generous and catches many people on low incomes not receiving qualifying benefits.
Proof of exemption: quick reference
| Exemption | Document required |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | None (dentist confirms age) |
| Under 19 in qualifying education | Letter from school/college if requested |
| Pregnant | Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx) |
| Gave birth in last 12 months | Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx) |
| Income Support | Benefits award letter |
| Pension Credit Guarantee Credit | Pension Credit award letter confirming Guarantee Credit |
| Universal Credit (below earnings threshold) | UC payment statement or journal showing eligibility |
| HC2 certificate (low income scheme) | HC2 certificate (valid, not expired) |
| HC3 certificate (partial help) | HC3 certificate (states maximum you pay) |
| NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate | The certificate itself |
Penalty charges for wrongful claims
The NHS Business Services Authority carries out Post-Payment Verification checks on exemption claims. If you sign to claim free treatment that you are not entitled to, you may receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN).
The PCN charges you the original treatment charge plus up to five times that amount, capped at £100 total. This applies even if you made the claim in genuine error.
PCNs can be appealed within 28 days using form FP64E. If you have received a PCN you believe is wrong, see our disputes and appeals guide.
Close to the line? Apply for HC1/HC2
If you do not qualify under any of the above categories but have a low income and savings under £16,000, you may qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme. Apply using form HC1 and receive an HC2 certificate (free treatment) or HC3 certificate (reduced charges).
HC1/HC2 scheme full guide