Family Nest

Some things in life are free, and fortunately when you're pregnant and during your baby's first year dental care and prescriptions are a couple of them.

During your pregnancy and for 12 months after the birth, you'll be entitled to free dental care.  Some dentists require you to fill out a form, but if you take the MAT B1 form with you that your doctor or midwife will give you at your 21 week check up this should be all they need.

NHS prescriptions are also free when you're pregnant, and for the 12 months after your child is born. You have to have a valid maternity exemption card which you can claim using a form FW8.  Your doctor, midwife or health visitor should be able to give you one.  You fill out parts 1 & 2 and they then sign it and send it back to the NHS.  Your card should be processed quickly but if you haven't received it in a few weeks you can call the NHS Help with Health Costs enquiry line on 0845 601 8076.

Your child

Get your toddler used to going to the dentist by taking them to your own appointments from about 2 years old."

Children up to the age of 16 years old also receive free dental care.  You need to fill out the form the dentist will give you each time so that they get their treatment free.  Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult each time they go.

Prescriptions are also free for all children up to age 16, and up until 18 if still in qualifying full-time education.  Again, you just need to sign the back of the prescription form at the chemist when you go to collect it.