# Who gets free NHS dental treatment?

Source: https://thelocaldentist.co.uk/answers/who-gets-free-nhs-dental-treatment/
Updated: 2026-07-13

## Quick answer

In England, NHS dental treatment is free if you are under 18 (or 18 in full-time education), pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months, receiving NHS hospital dental treatment, holding an HC2 certificate, or on qualifying benefits. Being 60 or over does not make dental treatment free.

## Key facts

- Free: under 18, or 18 and in full-time education
- Free: pregnant, or baby born in the last 12 months (MatEx certificate)
- Free: NHS hospital dental treatment, HC2 low-income certificate, qualifying benefits
- Not free at 60+ — the age exemption applies to prescriptions, not dentistry
- Scotland: NHS dental examinations are free for everyone; treatment can still be charged for most adults, but under-26s get treatment free too, not just the exam
- Claiming an exemption you do not hold can lead to a penalty charge

Editorial content from The Local Dentist — not clinical advice.