Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what steps they intend to take to increase public awareness of the availability of free NHS dental treatment for under 19s.

All those under the age of 18, or under 19 and in full time education are exempt from charges and qualify for free National Health Service dental treatment. Those who are pregnant or gave birth in the last 12 months or are on specified income related benefits are also charge exempt.

All dental practices holding an NHS contract are required to display a poster, provided free of charge, setting out current NHS charges and highlighting that patients may be exempt from, or entitled, to help with charges. The Department also provides all such practices with a patient leaflet setting out patient entitlements in more detail. In addition, this information is available online at NHS Choices. Locally, NHS England run periodic initiatives, based on need, to ensure awareness. A copy of the NHS practice poster is attached.