Free Children’s NHS Dentistry at The Dental Surgery Burnham
Choosing a dentist for your child shouldn’t be complicated, and there’s no need to wait for a problem before booking one in. At The Dental Surgery Burnham, we see NHS child patients from their first tooth right through to their teens, with same-week appointments usually available. Nervous about the dentist? So are a lot of children, our team is used to it, and takes the time needed to keep visits calm.
NHS Children Accepted
Burnham-based since 1977
Family-friendly team
Same-week appointments
What Is NHS Children's Dental Care?
Is NHS Dental Care Right for My Child?
- Age: Free NHS treatment applies automatically until your child’s 18th birthday, or their 19th if they’re still in full-time education.
- New NHS patients: We accept children as new NHS patients, including those whose parents are registered privately elsewhere.
- First visit timing: There’s no “too early.” We recommend a first check-up as soon as the first tooth appears, and certainly before their first birthday.
- Nervous or additional needs: Let us know when you book. We’ll take things slowly and won’t push your child into anything they’re not ready for.
- Orthodontic concerns: Overcrowding, gaps, overbites and other alignment issues are assessed using the NHS’s clinical need scale (IOTN). If your child meets the threshold, NHS-funded braces are available.
- Siblings: Family appointments can often be arranged together to save you multiple trips.
Dr Nick Dhaliwal
Principal Dentist
Alongside his clinical work, Dr Dhaliwal has served as an educational supervisor with the Oxford Deanery, mentoring newly qualified dentists as they begin their careers. He is committed to ongoing postgraduate study, regularly training under leading dentists from around the world to keep his skills and knowledge current. Over the course of his career, he has treated more than 2000, ranging from routine children’s check-ups to complex full-mouth rehabilitation, and takes genuine pride in helping every patient, however young, feel comfortable and confident in the chair.
What to Bring to Your Child’s NHS Appointment
- Proof of ID (if required)
- NHS number (if available)
- Parent/guardian details
- Child’s medical information (if relevant)
NHS vs Private Children's Dental Care
| Attributes | NHS | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for under-18s | Free | Practice fees apply |
| Cost for 18s in full-time education | Free | Practice fees apply |
| Check-ups & preventive care | Included | Included, at a fee |
| Fillings & extractions | Included | Included, at a fee |
| Orthodontic treatment | Free where there's clinical need (assessed via IOTN) | Available regardless of clinical need, at a fee |
| Choice of aesthetic options (e.g. tooth-coloured braces) | Limited to clinically approved options | Wider choice available |
| Waiting times | Can vary depending on NHS capacity | Often more flexible |
| Continuity of care | Same practice, NHS-registered clinician | Same practice, chosen clinician |
What to Expect in Your Child’s First Visit
Give us a ring or book online, we'll usually find a same-week slot if you need one. Before you arrive, we'll ask a bit about your child's dental history and anything they're nervous about, so whoever's seeing them already has the full picture.
There's no rushing straight into the chair. Your child will meet their dentist first and get a proper introduction, younger ones especially are often happy to have a poke around, look at the equipment, ask questions, whatever helps it all feel a bit less unknown before anything actually starts.
Your clinician will carry out a thorough but gentle examination, checking for decay, gum health and how the teeth and jaw are developing. If something needs sorting, a filling, say, or a referral for orthodontic advice, we will clearly explain to you.
You'll leave with clear advice on brushing and diet, plus whether anything needs following up. Most children are back in six months for their next check, though we'll say sooner if there's something worth keeping an eye on.
NHS Charges What's Free for Your Child
Unlike adult NHS dental care, which is split into charge bands, children’s NHS dental treatment carries no charge at all, for anyone under 18, or under 19 if still in full-time education. That covers everything from a first check-up to fillings, extractions, X-rays and fluoride treatments.
| Treatment | NHS Cost for Children | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Check-up & examination | Free | Recommended every 6 months |
| X-rays | Free | Where clinically necessary |
| Fillings | Free | Standard NHS materials |
| Extractions | Free | Where clinically necessary |
| Fluoride varnish | Free | Preventive treatment |
| Orthodontic assessment | Free | All children can be assessed |
| Orthodontic treatment (braces) | Free | Only where clinical need is confirmed via IOTN |
(Cosmetic-only orthodontic requests, such as straightening for appearance alone with no functional need, fall outside NHS provision and would need to be discussed as a private option.)
Frequently Asked Questions about NHS Child Dental Care
Is child dental care free in the UK?
Yes. NHS dental care is free for all children under 18. NHS dental treatment, covering check-ups, fillings, extractions and preventive care. There are no charges or bands to worry about, and this applies whether you’re new to NHS dental care or already registered elsewhere.
Until what age is NHS dental care free for children?
Free NHS dental care runs until your child’s 18th birthday. If they remain in full-time education, they continue to receive free NHS treatment until they turn 19. This includes preventive care and clinically necessary dental treatment.
Does a child get free braces on the NHS?
Yes, NHS braces are free for children who meet the clinical eligibility criteria. Orthodontic treatment is assessed using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Children with significant overcrowding, bite problems, or jaw alignment issues may qualify, while cosmetic treatment alone is not funded by the NHS.
Is child orthodontic dental care near me available on the NHS?
Yes, we offer NHS orthodontic assessments for children at our Burnham practice. If your child meets the clinical threshold, treatment can proceed on the NHS. If not, we’re happy to talk through private options with no obligation.
Is NHS dental care free if you get child benefit?
Child dental care is free based on age alone, regardless of whether you receive child benefit. Separately, some benefits can entitle parents themselves to free or reduced-cost NHS dental treatment, which is worth checking if it applies to you.
Do NHS dentists accept children as new patients?
Yes. The Dental Surgery Burnham welcomes new NHS child patients, including children whose parents are registered with another dental practice or receive private dental care. We aim to offer same-week appointments whenever possible, helping families access dental care quickly.
Does The Dental Surgery Burnham offer payment plans for private treatment?
Yes. If your child requires treatment that isn’t covered by the NHS, such as certain cosmetic orthodontic options, we offer flexible payment plans to help spread the cost. Our team will explain all available options and fees before treatment begins.
Is child dental care free in the UK?
Yes, child dental care is free on the NHS for most children under NHS eligibility rules. This often includes check-ups, fillings, emergency care, and necessary dental treatment.
Free child dental care till what age?
In the UK, children typically receive free NHS dental care until age 18.
If they stay in full-time education, they may continue to get free NHS dental treatment until age 19.
Does a child get free braces dental care on the NHS?
Braces may be free on the NHS if the child qualifies clinically.
NHS orthodontic treatment is usually approved when a child has a significant orthodontic need, such as severe crowding or bite problems.
A dentist will assess and refer your child to an orthodontist if needed.
Is child orthodontic dental care near me available on the NHS?
Yes — your dentist can assess your child and provide an NHS orthodontic referral if appropriate.
If you’re searching for child orthodontic dental care near me, we can guide you through the NHS referral process.
Is NHS dental care free if you get child benefits?
In many cases, yes. If you receive certain benefits (including some child-related benefits), you may qualify for NHS dental cost support.
However, eligibility depends on the exact benefit type. We can help you understand what applies during registration.
Do NHS dentists accept children as new patients?
Some clinics have limited NHS spaces, but we welcome families and do our best to accommodate new NHS child patients when availability allows.
Contact us to check current NHS registration availability.
Ready to book your child's NHS dental appointment?
Don’t wait until a toothache turns into an emergency. Our friendly, experienced team is here to make every visit calm, reassuring and genuinely free through the NHS, from your child’s very first tooth right through to their teenage years. Same-week appointments are often available, so getting seen is easier than you might think.
📞 Call us today or book online for your child’s NHS dental appointment.
📍 43–45 High Street, Burnham, Buckinghamshire, SL1 7JD