Dental care costs.

Dkim

Hello, this is my first time posting in here and I’m not looking to be judged or anything, just want some advice.

I started having dental treatment done after my tooth broke and I’m currently on my second appointment out of roughly five as I’ve needed root canal treatment and then I will need to have a crown measured and what not and then put on and then some fillings. My dental costs are currently covered by the fact I am on universal credits.

However, I was speaking to the man who owns the pub down the road from me and he has told me to go and see him next week to discuss a job. He’s a good family friend, and he has pretty much said that the job is mine as long as i pass the trial which is brilliant because hopefully I’ll be off universal credits but I don’t know if I’ll be earning enough to be able to cover the costs of all my dentist appointments that are coming up next month, especially with Christmas coming up.

I’m not sure on the hours yet, or the wage, but they are desperate for an extra staff member so the hours must be there. I don’t know what’s happening yet, I might not even get the job but there’s a 99% chance I will.

I read online that my dental care will continue to be free until my last appointment but is this true? I’ve read stories about people online being fined for appointments they had while on benefits.

As I said, I don’t know what will happen yet but I’d rather know what to do or what will happen in regards to my dental costs. If I have to suck it up and pay, then I will but I’ve just seen conflicting stuff online.

Thank you.

1974Stephen

If the man down the road who owns the pub will take you on this seems good. It seems your teeth come first. Forget that job or get him to take you on, outside of the payroll. That said, I assume a dentist will have asked for proof of benefits? So he has saw it already. Why are you stressing? You must know the answer already?

MikeJO

I was in a similar situation where I started a series of treatment while on benefit but came off it during the treatment. Got a letter threatening me with a fine some months later but explained and there was no problem, if you're on benefit at the start of the treatment doesn't matter if you get a job the next day, you're exempt.

Toothsmith

As above.

If you're on benefits that give you free NHS treatment at the start of your treatment, then that course of treatment will still be free, whatever happens.

Subsequent treatments will depend on your benefit state at the start of that treatment.

Cyclamen

The NHS have a scheme for those on low income to receive means tested help with health costs. This is for those who don't automatically qualify but have a low income and need some help. It is an easy form to fill in.
Have a look for 'help with health costs' form from NHS.