Everyone in Scotland is entitled to free NHS dental examinations. For some patients all treatment is completely free. NHS patients who pay for their treatment pay 80% of the treatment costs. This continues to be capped at a maximum of £384 per course of treatment. Any costs over this maximum continues to be fully subsidised by the NHS. You will never pay more than £384 per course of treatment.
Who is entitled to free treatment on the NHS?
NHS treatment is free for:
- everyone aged under 26
- people who are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months
- those with certificated exemption from patient charge because of income or receipt of certain benefits
If you are exempt from patient charges during a course of treatment, tell the dentist and ensure that you bring the evidence with you.
The following table sets out patient charges for common treatment items. The overall NHS fee paid will vary from patient to patient depending on the overall treatment plan require, but you will never pay more than £384 for a course of treatment.
Most patients with good oral health would require an examination, X-rays every so often and preventive advice.
The dentist can ask for payment in advance. They can also charge a patient if they fail to attend for an appointment without giving due notice.
