Dental care for children under 18 is free on the NHS in England, and this is one of the most consistently misunderstood facts in dentistry. Understanding what is and is not covered helps parents make informed decisions about their children’s oral health.
All clinically necessary dental treatment for children under 18, or under 19 if they are in full-time education, is provided free of charge on the NHS in England. This includes:
Routine examinations and check-ups, X-rays, scale and polish treatments, fillings, extractions, root canal treatment on baby and permanent teeth, orthodontic treatment when clinically indicated, and emergency treatment.
There are no NHS dental charges for anyone under 18 in England. There is no band 1, 2, or 3 charge for children.
Treatments that are considered purely cosmetic and are not clinically necessary are not available on the NHS at any age. For children, this most commonly means:
Tooth whitening. The NHS does not provide whitening treatment for children, and it is not recommended for patients under 18.
Cosmetic orthodontics. NHS orthodontic treatment is assessed using the index of orthodontic treatment need (IOTN). Only cases that meet a certain threshold of clinical need qualify. Many patients who would benefit aesthetically from orthodontic treatment do not score highly enough on the IOTN scale. Private orthodontic options, including Invisalign, are available to those patients.
Cosmetic restorations. White (composite) fillings in back teeth may be provided on the NHS, but higher-grade composite or ceramic restorations for cosmetic purposes are a private treatment.
At Berkhamsted Dental, our paediatric dentistry team takes an exceptionally attentive approach to children’s oral health. Private paediatric care allows more time per appointment, a wider range of preventive treatments, and a focus on the child’s experience as well as their clinical needs.
For families seeking private dental care for their children in Berkhamsted, our team is experienced in making dental visits positive and productive from the very first appointment.
Contact us today to find out more about registering your child.
Whether you’re booking your first appointment, have a question about our treatments, or simply want advice on your dental care — our friendly team is here to help.
