Pregnancy comes with plenty of questions, from what you can eat to what care you’re entitled to. And if you’re due for a dental check-up or worried about a filling, you might be wondering: Is dental treatment free while I’m pregnant? And does that include private care too?
In this guide, we’ll clear up the confusion around NHS and private dental costs during pregnancy. We’ll explain what the maternity exemption certificate covers, whether you can claim money back for private treatment, and why some mums-to-be still choose to go private even when NHS care is available, (already having private dental cover, for example). For more information on dental care provision in private health packages, take a look at our article Does Private Health Care Cover Dental?
If you’re in Sheffield and planning dental treatment during pregnancy, this article will help you understand your options, rights, and what to expect from private dental services in Sheffield here at Mola Dental.
Is Private Dental Care Free When Pregnant?
One of the most common misconceptions about dental care during pregnancy is that everything is free, even if you go private. In reality, that’s not quite the case.
NHS vs Private Entitlement: What’s Covered?
If you’re pregnant or have had a baby within the past 12 months, you’re entitled to free NHS dental treatment in the UK, but only with a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate. This means you won’t pay for NHS check-ups, fillings, extractions, or other necessary treatments during this time.
However, this exemption does not apply to private dental treatment. If you choose to see a private dentist, even for a routine check-up, you’ll need to pay the full private fee, as maternity benefits only cover NHS care.
Can I Claim Back Private Dental Costs While Pregnant?
In most cases, no, you cannot claim back private dental costs during pregnancy, even if you have a maternity exemption. The exemption is designed to remove financial barriers for NHS care only. However, if you have private dental insurance, it’s worth checking your policy, as some plans may cover certain treatments regardless of pregnancy status.
What Dental Treatment Is Free During Pregnancy?
If you’re pregnant or have had a baby within the past year, you may be entitled to free NHS dental treatment. This is designed to help you stay on top of your oral health at a time when pregnancy hormones can make you more prone to issues like gum disease and tooth sensitivity.
What’s Included with NHS Dental Care During Pregnancy?
Eligible patients can receive the following treatments for free under the NHS:
- Dental check-ups and routine assessments
- Fillings (usually silver amalgam for back teeth)
- Tooth extractions and emergency dental care
- Treatment for gum disease or infections
- Scale and polish, if deemed clinically necessary
It’s important to note that the NHS does not usually cover cosmetic treatments like white fillings on back teeth or teeth whitening, even during pregnancy.
Who Is Eligible and How Do You Access Free NHS Dental Care?
To receive free treatment, you’ll need to obtain a Maternity Exemption Certificate. This is available to pregnant individuals and those who have given birth in the last 12 months. You can apply through your midwife, GP, or online in most cases [1].
What Does the Maternity Exemption Certificate Cover?
The Maternity Exemption Certificate is what makes free NHS dental care possible during and after pregnancy, but many people aren’t sure how to get one or what it actually includes.
How to Apply and When It’s Valid
You can apply for the certificate through your GP, midwife, or health visitor – they’ll fill in a form and submit it online. Once approved, you’ll receive a digital certificate (or paper copy, if requested) confirming your entitlement.
The certificate is valid from the date your application is approved until 12 months after your baby is born, meaning you get over a year of free NHS dental treatment.
Who’s Eligible and What Benefits Count?
You’re eligible for a maternity exemption certificate if:
- You’re currently pregnant OR
- You’ve had a baby in the past 12 months
This exemption covers only NHS dental treatment, not private care. It’s separate from other benefit-related entitlements such as:
- Income Support
- Universal Credit (meeting certain criteria)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Those benefits can also entitle you to free NHS dental treatment, even if you’re not pregnant.
What Dental Treatment Does It Cover?
With the exemption certificate, you can access:
- NHS Band 1, 2, and 3 treatments
- Check-ups, X-rays, fillings, extractions, and other clinically necessary care
- Emergency dental services if needed
Just remember to bring proof of your exemption to your NHS dentist. If you forget and are charged, you can claim a refund but only if the exemption was already valid at the time of treatment and you ask for an FP57 form when you pay, as you cannot request one later [1].
Should You Choose Private Dental Care While Pregnant?
Even though NHS dental treatment is free during pregnancy (with a valid maternity exemption certificate), there are still plenty of reasons why some people choose to go private.
When Private Care Might Be the Right Choice
Private dental care can be a better fit in certain situations, such as:
- Cosmetic treatments – like white fillings on back teeth or teeth whitening, which aren’t covered by the NHS
- Faster access – if you’re in pain or need urgent treatment but can’t get a timely NHS appointment
- Ongoing care – if you’re already seeing a private dentist and want consistency throughout your pregnancy
Balancing Budget, Convenience, and Location
For some patients, especially those who are self-employed or managing busy schedules, private care offers far more flexibility. Evening and weekend appointments are often easier to find privately (Mola Dental offers both), and you’re more likely to be seen at a time that suits you. That said, private treatment comes at a cost, so it’s important to consider your budget and weigh up whether the added convenience is worth it for your situation.
Practices like Mola Dental, based in Sheffield, also offer clear pricing and dental plans to help spread the cost of care, making private treatment more manageable than many expect.
When NHS Access Isn’t Available
One of the more frustrating realities of NHS dental care is availability. Even if you’re pregnant and hold a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate, you can only access free NHS treatment if you’re seen by a practice that accepts NHS patients.
Unfortunately, many NHS dental practices across the UK, including Sheffield, are not accepting new NHS patients, and waiting lists can be long. This leaves some expectant mothers in a difficult position.
If you’re struggling to access NHS dental care during pregnancy, here are some steps you can take:
- Call practices directly, even if online listings say they’re full – some may still accept patients on a case-by-case basis
- Contact NHS 111 if you have pain or need urgent care – they can refer you to an NHS emergency dentist where you’ll be covered by your exemption certificate if you have one
- Reach out to your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) – they oversee dental provision and may help find a solution
- Keep records of your attempts to register, especially if you’re planning to submit a complaint or request advice from NHS England
In the meantime, some patients choose to seek temporary private care for peace of mind, urgent treatment, or routine check-ups. While private treatment isn’t free during pregnancy, clinics like Mola Dental offer clear pricing and pregnancy-safe dental care, with the flexibility to book when NHS access isn’t available. If you’re employed, you may even have access to free or reduced-price private dentistry as part of your employee benefits package.
Peace of Mind with Trusted Private Care
Pregnancy can be an anxious time and knowing you’ll be seen promptly, in a comfortable setting, by a dentist you trust, can make a real difference. Private care can offer that extra reassurance, particularly if you’ve had negative experiences in the past or need specific support.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference. The good news is, whether you choose NHS or private care, looking after your oral health during pregnancy is always the right move.
Why You Should Always Tell Your Dentist You’re Pregnant
Whether you’re receiving NHS or private dental care, it’s essential to let your dentist know you’re pregnant. Even in the early stages, your dental team needs this information to tailor your care and ensure everything they do is safe for both you and your baby.
Why Dental Care Matters During Pregnancy
Pregnancy increases your risk of developing certain dental issues, such as:
- Pregnancy gingivitis – gum inflammation caused by hormonal changes [2]. This is very common in pregnancy with 60 – 75% of expectant mothers affected [3].
- Increased plaque build-up – due to dietary changes [3]
- Exposure to stomach acid – vomiting from morning sickness can erode tooth enamel if it happens frequently [3]
These issues can often be prevented or managed more effectively with regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Untreated gum disease, in particular, has been linked to low birth weight and premature birth, making oral health an important part of antenatal care [2,3].
Why Your Dentist Needs to Know You’re Pregnant
There are several situations where your pregnancy may affect how your dentist treats you:
- X-rays: Dentists may avoid taking routine dental X-rays during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.
- Medications: Some local anaesthetics, antibiotics, or pain relief options may not be suitable in pregnancy. Your dentist will adjust these based on how far along you are.
- Treatment suitability: While white fillings are not usually offered by the NHS, pregnancy may be considered an eligible clinical reason for needing one, as amalgam fillings are not recommended during pregnancy [3]. Speak to your dentist if you have any concerns.
- Treatment planning: If possible, non-urgent dental work may be postponed until after your baby is born, or safely scheduled during the second trimester when risks are lowest.
By informing your dentist early, you help them provide the safest and most appropriate care for you and your baby.
Book a Pregnancy-Safe Consultation at Mola Dental
If you’re pregnant and due for a dental check-up or treatment, Mola Dental offers a safe, welcoming environment where your comfort and well-being come first. Our team has experience caring for patients throughout pregnancy and will ensure all treatment is tailored with you and your baby in mind.
Booking is simple. Just give us a call or use our online form to request an appointment. From the moment you arrive, we’ll make sure your care is gentle, appropriate, and fully informed by your stage of pregnancy. It’s all part of helping you feel confident, comfortable, and well looked after – before, during, and after your baby arrives.
Conclusion
While private dental care isn’t free during pregnancy, the NHS does offer a wide range of treatments at no cost if you have a valid maternity exemption certificate. That said, many patients still choose private care due to lack of NHS dentistry provision, or for greater flexibility, faster appointments, and access to cosmetic treatments not covered by the NHS.
Whichever route you choose, one thing is certain: looking after your dental health during pregnancy is essential. Letting your dentist know you’re expecting means they can tailor your care safely, helping to prevent issues before they become serious.
At Mola Dental in Sheffield, we’re here to support you with expert, pregnancy-safe dental care for a routine check-up or something more urgent.
References
- NHS Business Services Authority: Maternity Exemption Certificates. Available at: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check-if-you-have-nhs-exemption/maternity-exemption-certificates
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2024) Talking to Pregnant Women About Oral Health. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/hcp/conversation-tips/talking-to-pregnant-women-about-oral-health.html#:~:text=Pregnancy%20and%20Periodontal%20(Gum)%20Disease,by%20changing%20hormones%20during%20pregnancy.
- March of Dimes (2025) Dental Health During Pregnancy. Available at: https://www.marchofdimes.org/find-support/topics/pregnancy/dental-health-during-pregnancy
Medically Reviewed by: Chetan Mistry
As owner and Clinical Director of Mola Dental, Dr Mistry is affectionately known as “Chet” by his patients and prides himself on providing the very best care.
Having graduated in 2009 from the University of Sheffield, Chet spent the early part of his career at practices in Chesterfield and Doncaster before joining the practice under the previous ownership of Centre For Dentistry. In 2020 Chet took over the practice and rebranded it to Mola Dental with the aim to build on an already great reputation to make it the best dental practice in Sheffield.
Chet’s clinical interests are in general and cosmetic dentistry. He is currently due to graduate from the University of Central Lancashire in 2021 with an MSc In Endodontology which will allow him accept referrals from other general dentists for the provision of complex root canal treatments which will potentially allow him to save teeth which others can’t.
In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit, watching sport and spending time with friends and family.
“I enjoy helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that they can be proud of and as the owner of the practice provide patients with the best caring experience of a dental practice they have ever had. “
You can read more about Chet and the whole Mola Dental team on our ‘About’ page here.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.