New figures show people are risking a fine of up to £100 by incorrectly claiming they are entitled to free dental care
People are being warned to check their eligibility for free dental treatment after a sharp rise in fines issued for incorrect claims. Figures from the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), obtained through a Freedom of Information request, showed that more than 200,000 penalty charge notices were issued for dental treatment in 2025.
This was up more than 40 per cent from two years previously. Free or partially free treatment is available for people in receipt of certain benefits, but some say the rules are confusing, causing many to incorrectly believe they are entitled to help.
Dr Andrej Bozic, an oral surgeon at private clinic Dentum, says people should know their entitlement before they visit the dentist – or risk a fine of up to £100. He said: “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.”
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The FOI data shows 148,405 penalty charge notices were issued in 2023. The following year, this rose to 189,757, and by 2025, it stood at 212,143. Last month, money expert Martin Lewis said many people were incorrectly claiming after being moved from Tax Credits to Universal Credit and assuming the same NHS benefits still apply.
Dr Bozic said: “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.”
If you’re not entitled to free NHS dental treatment, the costs are grouped into three bands. The first, covering examination, assessment and simple procedures, such as scaling, costs £29.70.
The second band, costing £76.60, covers treatments such as root canals or fillings. And the third covers more complex treatment, such as orthodontic treatment and fixing missing teeth. This costs £332.10.
But accessing NHS dental care is not always easy, and patients in some areas of the country face a shortage of places, referred to as “dental deserts”. This shortage leads many to pay for private dental care or, in some cases, travel abroad for treatment, such as to the Dentum private dental clinic based in Croatia, where around 1,500 UK patients travel each year for both complex and cosmetic care.
Who qualifies for free dental care
According to the NHS you can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment if:
- you’re aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
- you’re pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- you’ve had a stillbirth in the past 12 months
- you’re getting treatment in an NHS hospital from a hospital dentist (but you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges)
- you receive War Pension Scheme payments, or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments, and the treatment is for your accepted disability
You can also get free NHS dental treatment if you or your partner receives certain benefits, including:
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
- Universal Credit – but only if your income is below a certain amount
If you or your partner receives benefits that mean you can get free dental treatment from the NHS, your dependents aged under 20 can also get free dental treatment.
