Dental Scheme for Income Support households

16 December 2021

​A new dental scheme has been launched for children who live in a household receiving Income Support.  

The 'COVID-19 Children's Dental Scheme' will enable children to visit their dentist free of charge, to receive routine dental treatment and preventative treatment.

Children of secondary school age (years 7 to 11) can access this one-off opportunity before June 2022.

Eligible households should have received a letter from Customer and Local Services last week and are encouraged to contact their dentist to make an appointment.

Minister for Social Security, Deputy Judy Martin, said: "Following the impact of the pandemic, it's important for all children to get back to seeing the dentist and to maintain good oral health.

"Our scheme will help those families on Income Support by providing financial assistance covering the cost of dental treatment for eligible children."

Minister for Children and Education, Deputy Scott Wickenden, said: "We all know that oral health is important and making sure this starts early in our lives reduces the risk of bad oral health later in life.

"It is extremely important for children to look after their teeth, which is why I am pleased that this scheme is being offered to children in lower income households to help keep their teeth healthy." 

The Government's Oral Health Strategy is due to be published next year.