Young Wrexham

Oral Health

You are entitled to free dental treatment on the NHS if:

• You are under 18, or are a full-time student under 19
• You are expecting a baby when treatment starts, or you have had a baby in the last 12 months
• You or your partner is receiving Income Support, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment & Support Allowance or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• You are named on a Tax Credit NHS Exemption Certificate
• You are named on an NHS HC2 certificate for full help with health costs

Dental examinations are free in Wales if:

• You are under 25 years of age
• You are aged 60 or over

How much does NHS dental treatment cost?

The following list, which applies to Wales, includes examples of how current price bands relate to some common dental treatments, procedures and services. Prices are correct as of October 2013:

Band 1 = £12.70

• Basic scale and polish* (please see details below)
• Examination, case assessment and report
• Advice, diagnosis and treatment planning
• X-rays and reports
• Instruction in the prevention of dental and oral disease including dietary advice and dental hygiene instruction
• Marginal correction of fillings
• Adjustments to and easing of dentures or orthodontic appliances

* The price of scale and polishing treatments can vary depending on what exactly is being carried out, therefore ask your dental hygienist how much the treatment will cost beforehand. Treatment on the NHS should cost £12.70 for basic treatment, or £41.10 for more advanced treatment

Band 2 = £41.10

• Advanced scale and polish* (please see details above)
• Permanent fillings
• Extraction of teeth
• Transplantation of teeth
• Oral surgery including surgical removal of cyst, buried root, unerupted tooth, impacted tooth

Band 3 = £177

• Crowns including any pin or post aids to retention
• Bridges including any pin or post aids to retention
• Full or partial dentures
• Orthodontic treatment and appliances
• Other custom made appliances excluding sports guards
• Charges will be for a course of treatment, so, for example, if three fillings are required, you will still only pay the one treatment charge

Regular check-ups are essential if you want to avoid bad breath, discoloured teeth, gum infections and other dental health problems. If you are experiencing bad breath, sore or bleeding gums or toothache, make an appointment to see your dentist.

Dental emergencies, such as dental bleeding that won’t stop, swelling of the lip, tongue or cheek and damage to teeth or jaw, should be reported to your dentist immediately and an emergency appointment made as soon as possible.

To find a local dentist, call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47. You are free to choose your dentist, NHS or private, but your registration will end with one dentist if you visit another.