Dental Plans will pay out when you receive dental treatment, either covering the full cost or paying a set cash amount. It is a way of spreading the cost of treatment if you find it difficult to manage large or unexpected bills.

In theory, everyone is entitled to receive routine and emergency dental treatment on the NHS, provided they register with a NHS dentist every 15 months. However in the real world, research even by the British Dental association suggests that in many areas of the country it is very difficult to find an NHS dentist who is prepared to take on new patients.

NHS dentistry is free if you are pregnant, under 18 or if you receive certain state benefits. Otherwise, you are required to pay 80% of the cost of treatment up to a maximum of £340. Private treatment naturally costs more. Many private patients choose to pay for treatment as and when they want or need it. Other people will have a dental plan.

Normally you will have a check up after which you will then be covered for most treatments, in return for a monthly payment. The size of the payment will depend on your dental health, your dentist's rate of charge, sometimes your age and the level of cover that you want. Dental problems that exist at the time of taking the insurance policy out are not usually covered. Apply now!