How much is an nhs dental check up please?!
Question:
How much is an nhs dental check up please?
thank you for any answers!
Answers:
An NHS dental check-up currently costs £15.90 (this went up from £15.50 in April). This is what is called a 'Band 1' charge and includes an examination of your mouth and teeth, and x-rays required and a scale and polish (cleaning of your teeth).
If you require any fillings, root canal work or extractions, the charge moves p to 'Band 2'. This currently costs £43.60, but includes your check-up. It is a one of payment, regardless of how many fillings/root canals/extractions are required.
If you need and crowns, bridges, inlays or dentures, the charge made is 'Band 3'. This currently costs £194 but again includes all necessary treatment.
If you are in pain, an emergency visit will also cost £15.90. There is a limited amount of treatment that can be done to manage your pain but a separate band 1, 2 or 3 charge will apply if you go back for a check-up and/or further treatment.
You must bear in mind that not all treatment is available on the NHS. The remit of the NS is to "secure and maintain oral health" (their words, not mine!) so only clinically necessary treatment will be provided. Anything cosmetic, which may include choosing to have white fillings, is not normally available.
There are also a number of exemptions which mean that you do not pay anything towards NHS dental charges. You are exempt f, when the treatment starts you are:
* aged under 18
*aged 18 in full-time education
*pregnant, or have had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts
*an NHS in-patient and the treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist
* an NHS Hospital Dental Service out-patient
or if when the treatment starts or when the charge is made:
* you are getting, or your partner gets Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
* you are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
* you are named on a valid HC2 certificate.
If you are not sure if these apply, it is always better to pay. You can claim back money you didn't need to pay, but if you claim exemption you are not entitled to, you may receive a large fine.
HC2 certificates are for people on low incomes. The cover eye care and prescription costs as well as dentistry. If you are on a low income, it is worth filling out an HC1 form to apply. You've got nothing to lose!