People are being warned to check their eligibility for free NHS dental treatment after a sharp rise in the number of fines issued for incorrect claims. Figures from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) obtained through a Freedom of Information request showed that 212,143 penalty charge notices were issued in relation to dental treatment in 2025. This represents an increase of more than 40 per cent from two years earlier.
Free or partially free treatment is available for those on certain benefits, but the rules are often confusing, leading many to mistakenly believe they qualify. Those who incorrectly claim could face a fine of up to £100.
Expert warns of fines for incorrect claims
Dr Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at private clinic Dentum, said patients should know their entitlement before visiting the dentist. “If you are entitled to free NHS dental treatment you will be asked to show proof of eligibility and sign a document. It’s so important that you are clear on what you are and aren’t entitled to because incorrect claims, even if they are made by mistake, can result in fines of £100,” he said.
The FOI data shows that 148,405 penalty charge notices were issued in 2023, rising to 189,757 in 2024, and then to 212,143 in 2025. Last month, money expert Martin Lewis noted that many people were incorrectly claiming after being moved from Tax Credits to Universal Credit, assuming the same NHS benefits still applied.
Dr Bozic commented: “It’s extremely concerning to see more than 200,000 fines last year for people incorrectly claiming for free treatment they are not entitled to. There is clearly an element of some people not understanding the complex eligibility criteria.”
NHS dental costs and regional shortages
For those not entitled to free treatment, NHS dental charges are grouped into three bands. Band 1, covering examination, assessment, and simple procedures like scaling, costs £29.70. Band 2, for treatments such as root canals or fillings, costs £76.60. Band 3, for more complex procedures like orthodontic work or fixing missing teeth, costs £332.10.
However, accessing NHS dental care can be difficult. Some areas of the country are considered “dental deserts” due to a shortage of NHS dentists. This leads many to pay for private care or travel abroad, such as to the Dentum private dental clinic in Croatia, where around 1,500 UK patients travel each year for both complex and cosmetic treatment.
Who qualifies for free dental care?
According to the NHS, you can get free dental appointments and treatment if you are under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education), pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or have had a stillbirth in the past 12 months. Free treatment also applies if you are receiving treatment in an NHS hospital from a hospital dentist (though you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges), or if you receive War Pension Scheme or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and the treatment is for your accepted disability.
Additionally, you may qualify if you or your partner receive certain benefits, including Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (with or without Savings Credit), or Universal Credit – but only if your income is below a certain amount. Dependants under 20 of those who qualify also receive free treatment.
