Free NHS Dental Care: Who Qualifies in 2026
Free NHS Dental Care: Who Qualifies in 2026
Quick answer
NHS dental treatment is free if you are under 18, under 19 in full-time education, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or receive qualifying low-income benefits such as Universal Credit (meeting the criteria), Income Support, income-based JSA/ESA or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. If your income is low but you are not on a qualifying benefit, an HC2 certificate gives full free treatment.
Key takeaways
- Under-18s and under-19s in full-time education get all NHS dental treatment free.
- Pregnancy and the 12 months after birth qualify for free care with a MatEx certificate.
- Qualifying benefits include Universal Credit (meeting the earnings criteria), Income Support, income-based JSA/ESA and Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.
- An HC2 certificate gives full free treatment; an HC3 gives partial help.
- If you paid in the last 3 months while entitled to free care, claim a refund with form HC5(D).
Free NHS dental care is more widely available than most people realise. You qualify automatically if any of the following apply.
Automatic exemptions
- You are under 18 years old
- You are under 19 and in qualifying full-time education
- You are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months (you need a Maternity Exemption Certificate, MatEx)
- You are an inpatient in an NHS hospital and treated by the hospital dentist
- You are an NHS hospital dental service outpatient (but bridges, crowns and dentures are still charged)
Income-based exemptions
You are entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you (or your partner) receive any of the following:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Universal Credit, where your earnings during the most recent assessment period were £435 or less (or £935 or less if you receive the limited capability for work element, disabled child element, or are entitled to the disabled child premium)
NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2 and HC3)
If you're not on a qualifying benefit but your household income is low, you can apply for an HC2 certificate (full help with health costs — free treatment) or an HC3 certificate (partial help — reduced charge). Apply with form HC1 from NHS forms or any Jobcentre Plus.
If you have paid by mistake
If you have paid for NHS dental treatment in the past 3 months and you were entitled to free treatment, claim a refund using form HC5(D). The NHSBSA processes refunds within a few weeks.
Penalties for wrongly claiming
Wrongly claiming free treatment can result in a Penalty Charge Notice of up to £100 plus the original charge. The NHSBSA carries out checks — if you are unsure of your eligibility, just pay and claim a refund later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who gets free NHS dental treatment in the UK?
Under-18s, under-19s in full-time education, pregnant women and new mothers within 12 months of birth, and people on qualifying low-income benefits or holding an HC2 certificate.
Is dental care free during pregnancy?
Yes. You get free NHS dental care while pregnant and for 12 months after the birth, using a Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx).
What is an HC2 certificate?
An HC2 certificate provides full help with health costs, including free NHS dental treatment, for people on a low income who are not on a qualifying benefit. Apply using form HC1.
Can I get a refund if I paid by mistake?
Yes. If you paid for NHS dental treatment in the past 3 months while entitled to free care, claim a refund using form HC5(D).