Anyone can apply for free dental care with their ID card

Free dental care in the UK is mainly provided through the National Health Service (NHS). Here are some key points to help you understand how to get free or low-cost dental care in the UK:

1：NHS Dental Services: The NHS in the UK provides basic dental services, including examinations, cleanings, fillings, extractions and orthodontics. These services are usually divided into three tiers, each with different costs, but are free for certain groups such as children, full-time students, pregnant women and certain welfare recipients.

2：HC2 Certificate: If you are a full-time student or in financial difficulty, you can apply for an HC2 Certificate, which is a way to get free NHS dental services. You will need to complete the HC1 form and submit relevant evidence, such as bank statements and proof of school attendance, to prove that you are eligible for free services.

3：Dental Helpline: The Dental Helpline provided by the Oral Health Foundation is a charity service that can provide free and impartial guidance and advice. They can provide information on dental terminology, treatment procedures, oral hygiene, laws and regulations, dental charges and how to make complaints.

4：Community events: Some charities and community projects organise free oral health awareness events and checks, such as the Smile for Life initiative, which provides preventive measures to reduce tooth decay for pre-school children.

5：Schools and early childhood settings: Mobile dental teams visit schools in underserved areas to provide children with advice and fluoride varnish treatments to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.

6：Family centres: Provide oral health advice to pregnant women and educate parents on how to protect their baby's gums and primary teeth from tooth decay.

7：Water fluoridation: As a method of preventing tooth decay, the UK is considering expanding water fluoridation provision in the North East, which is a safe and effective way to increase fluoride concentrations in water to prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.

8：Dental van services: Provide dental services to rural and coastal communities, which may have difficulty accessing dental services.

Please note that while the NHS provides a wide range of dental services, some treatments may require out-of-pocket payment, particularly cosmetic dental services. In addition, waiting times for NHS services may be long, so some patients may choose private dental services. When choosing a service, it is important to understand your rights and available resources.