All British citizens are entitled to dental treatment provided by the
National Health Service. This treatment, however, is not unequivocally free
like that received at a GP's surgery. NHS dental services had to start
charging because the standard of dental health care in the UK was so far
behind the rest of Europe.

(Wow!  Imagine that!  A socialized form of medical care resulted in
substandard care. Who woulda thunk it?!?)

Under the NHS (National Health Service) you have to pay 80% of the price
for dental check-ups and treatments up to a maximum of £372.00 per course of
treatment rising to £378.00 as of May 2004. The remaining 20% of the fee is
covered by your National Insurance payments. If treatment costs exceed the
maximum price, for example £400, then the NHS pays the difference.

Prices are determined by the government through the Department of Health and
are standard throughout any NHS dental surgery in the UK. There is more
information on NHS charges on their website.

NHS treatment is, however, completely free for those:

 a.. Under 18 years old

 b.. Under 19 and still in full-time education

 c.. Who are pregnant or mothers who have given birth within the last 12
months

 d.. Who receive or whose partner receives Family Credit or Income Support