Tell us what you think of dental practices in Brighton and Hove.
A dentist is a medical professional who specialises in the care of teeth, gums, and mouths. NHS dental treatment can provide all of the treatment that is necessary in order to keep your teeth and gums healthy. This includes treatments such as dentures, crowns and bridges.
NHS Brighton and Hove (Primary Care Trust, PCT) is now responsible for local NHS dental services. See their website for more details.
This means it:
- has money that must be used for local dental services
- agrees contracts with NHS dentists for services that local people need
- can influence where new practices are established
- is responsible for urgent and out-of-hours care in your area.
Dental charges
There are now three standard charges for all NHS dental treatments (April 2011).
Band 1 course of treatment: £17.00: This covers an examination, diagnosis (for example an X-ray), advice on how to prevent future problems, and a scale and polish if needed. Urgent treatment when you need to see a dentist immediately also costs £17.00.
Band 2 course of treatment £47.00: This covers everything listed in band 1, above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.
Band 3 course of treatment £204.00: This covers everything listed in bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges.
These are the only dental charges your dentist will ask you to pay when you are having NHS treatment.
You can get free NHS dental treatment if you are:
- under 18
- 18 and in full-time education
- pregnant, or have had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts
- an NHS inpatient and the treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist
- or an NHS Hospital Dental Service outpatient. There may be a charge for dentures and bridges
You are also entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you or your partner (including civil partners), receive either:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- or you are named on, or entitled to (use your award notice as evidence), an NHS tax credit exemption certificate, or
- you are named on a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs) certificate
Find an NHS Dentist from NHS Choices website.
Updated 9th April 2011