Some dental schools and teaching hospitals across the UK offer members of the public the opportunity to receive free or low-cost dental care provided by undergraduate dental students and other oral healthcare students, including dental hygienists and dental therapists.
These clinics provide students with valuable hands-on experience as part of their training, while helping patients access dental care. All treatment is supervised by qualified dental professionals.
However, not everyone will be eligible and the treatment available, cost and application process vary between dental schools.
Where can I find a dental school that provides dental treatment?
You will need to contact dental schools directly to find out whether they offer these services, although many have dedicated web pages with information on how to apply.
You can find details on dental schools in the UK and Ireland on our website.
Is treatment free?
Many dental schools offer free treatment provided by undergraduate students, although arrangements vary between institutions and clinical services.
Some clinics provide treatment at no cost, while others may offer treatment at a reduced cost. Check the individual dental school’s website for confirmation of any charges before applying. Eligibility for treatment through a dental school is separate from eligibility for free NHS dental treatment, which is subject to its own rules.
Who can apply for treatment?
Each dental school has its own eligibility criteria. Depending on the service, you may need to:
- live within a particular geographical area
- have specific dental treatment needs that are suitable for the students’ stage of training
- be referred by a dentist or doctor
- apply directly through a self-referral form, where this is permitted
- meet other requirements set by the dental school, which may include not being registered with a local dentist
Some clinics accept applications directly from members of the public, while others only consider patients referred by a healthcare professional. Being eligible to apply does not guarantee that you will be offered an appointment or treatment.
Check the requirements of your chosen dental school before submitting an application.
What treatment can undergraduate students provide?
The treatment available depends on the dental school, the type of student clinic and the experience students need to gain as part of their training.
Depending on the service, treatment may include:
- dental examinations and treatment planning
- oral health advice and preventative care
- ccale and polish treatments
- routine fillings and restorative dentistry
- some root canal treatments
- dentures, crowns and other restorative treatments
Not every clinic offers all these treatments. More complex procedures, emergency treatment and certain specialist services may not be available through undergraduate clinics.
An initial assessment will help determine whether your treatment needs can be met by students at the relevant stage of their training. If your needs are not suitable, you may be advised to seek care through another dental service.
Undergraduate students provide treatment as part of their clinical education and training, under the supervision of qualified dental professionals. Supervision helps ensure that treatment is appropriate and that students receive guidance and support as they develop their clinical skills.
You should also be aware that appointments may take longer than they would in a general dental practice. Students are learning clinical techniques and their work is checked by supervisors. You may need to attend several appointments to complete your treatment.
Do I need a referral?
This depends on the dental school.
Some services require a referral from a dentist or doctor before they will consider you for treatment. Others allow members of the public to apply directly through a self-referral form.
Before contacting a dental school, check its website for the referral process and any restrictions on who can apply. If a referral is required, your healthcare professional can advise you about the next steps.
What if I am not eligible?
If a dental school cannot offer you treatment, you may need to explore other options.
You can search for an NHS dentist through the NHS website or contact local dental practices to ask whether they are accepting new patients. If you are on a low income, you may also be eligible for help with NHS dental costs. If you need urgent dental care, do not delay seeking advice while waiting for a dental school to assess your application.
Find out about free NHS dental treatment and help with dental costs