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<p>All National Health Service dental practices are required to display a poster showing
patient charges and to offer patients a free leaflet which sets out in detail who
is entitled to free NHS dental services. Information on exemptions and support for
people who are on a low income can also be found at the following link:</p><p> </p><p><a
href="http://www.nhs.uk/healthcosts" target="_blank">www.nhs.uk/healthcosts</a></p><p>
</p><p>Eligibility checks are carried out on claims received for exemption from NHS
Dental Patient Charges. Where eligibility cannot be verified, patients are asked to
confirm their eligibility or to pay the relevant dental charge plus a penalty charge.
Patients are, however, able to challenge penalty charges they believe are unjustified.</p><p>
</p><p>The Department, NHS Business Services Authority and NHS England have recognised
the concern that some patients may not be clear on whether they are exempt from charges
and have been working to further improve the information available to patients around
eligibility. This includes promoting an easy read patient information booklet, creating
an online eligibility checker and developing a national awareness campaign.</p>
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