Dental costs and Universal Credit

socksmalone

Hi all, I was diagnosed with Cancer last year and am currently not working. I am about to start radiotherapy, just finished chemo, and my oncologist wanted me to see my dentist to check my teeth were healthy before I start radiotherapy. 

I was fitted in to see the practice owner, who usually only sees private patients. He gave me the all clear but told me I needed a night guard and took impressions for it.

I have to go back next week for the fitting, but it's just occurred to me I have no idea if I will be charged for this. Looking at the NHS website it looks like it may be as much as £300 which I cannot afford. I am on Universal Credit (and meet the criteria) currently, anyone any idea if I'll be charged for this? If I am, should I have been told before he went ahead?

TIA.

marcia_

 My NHS dentist told me guards are not available on the NHS and I'd need to pay £200 

KxMx

This suggests guards are available on the NHS:
https://www.weybridgedental.co.uk/dental-night-guard-prevent-bruxism-cost-nhs-uk/ 


In your circumstances you should be eligible for free dental treatment:
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-dental-costs/free-nhs-dental-treatment 

socksmalone

If anyone else comes across this with a similar query, my sleeping mouth guard was indeed covered by the NHS and I had nothing to pay.

bonbonbanana

I’m on universal credit and getting a night guard for my teeth free on NHS

marcia_

bonbonbanana said:

I’m on universal credit and getting a night guard for my teeth free on NHS

 I just paid £170 was originally quoted £200 for mine, dentist claims the NHS doesn't fund them unless through the hospital 

socksmalone

marcia_ said:

bonbonbanana said:

I’m on universal credit and getting a night guard for my teeth free on NHS

 I just paid £170 was originally quoted £200 for mine, dentist claims the NHS doesn't fund them unless through the hospital 

I'd go back and question this if you are on benefits and meet the criteria. A night guard is definitely free on the NHS if you are in this cohort. 

brook2jack2

Interestingly the pp would have paid more for their night guard if made on the NHS in England and Wales as it is a band three treatment. It would cost £306.80 in England if they paid.