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<p>In 2019/2020, the NHS Business Services Authority issued 12,411 Penalty Charge
Notices to patients who had provided receipt of Employment and Support Allowance as
an exemption for their dental treatment. Prior to the issuance of a fine, patients
are permitted to demonstrate their eligibility for free National Health Service dental
treatment.</p><p>Exemption checking for NHS dentistry was paused during the pandemic
to limit the spread of COVID-19 through the handling and signing of papers between
patients and dental staff. Patient signatures were reintroduced on 1 September 2021.</p><p>
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