The unemployed and dental charges

[Sandra6]

Does anyone know if the unemployed have to pay for dental treatment?
I've tried googling, but the results are conflicting and not particularly helpful, so wondered if anybody here had first hand experience.
I always thought it was free if you were out of work but my eldest went for a check up and has been told he has to pay £17.50.
I don't want to pay if I don't have to.
TIA

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

You can sign on as an NHS patient (if your surgery is accepting NHS) and tick a little box that says you're claiming DLA/JSA/Income Support

That may not be accurate as It's been a long time since I did it whilst claiming the latter two. But it's something like that.

 

[2Loose]

Most people will pay the normal NHS charges, but there are exceptions if you fit certain criteria, such as under 19 and in full time education. There is a list here;

http://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1786.aspx?CategoryID=74&SubCategoryID=742

 

[Sandra6]

Thanks guys.

 

[MrJamie]

IIRC you get free dental care and also free eye tests if you're on income based Jobseekers, which happens after your contribution jobseekers ends. I think it's meant to be pretty basic, like the cheapest solution rather than the best ie. teeth getting pulled rather than fixed.