Your care home has a duty to look after your health, welfare and quality of life. This includes arranging access to dental services according to your need. If you live in a care home and are not an NHS patient at a local dental practice, discuss your dental care needs with your care home manager, who should be able to tell you what regular or emergency dental care provision is available for you.

If you permanently live in a care home, you may qualify for help towards dental charges under the NHS low income scheme. You may be entitled to help if you are on a low income, and if you have less than £22,250 in savings (£21,500 in Scotland and Wales)*.

To apply for help, fill in form HC1(SC) which you can get from your dentist’s receptionist or your local benefits office. If you are in England, Scotland or Wales you can get the form HC1(SC) from PPA Patient Services on 0845 850 1166.

* If you are reading this after 6 April 2009, you should check to see if these figures have changed.