Register with a dentist and optician

Dentists

To receive dental treatment in Scotland, you must be registered with a dentist.

Registering with an NHS dentist is usually more cost-effective than choosing private treatment, and many practices provide NHS care for students.

You can find NHS dental practices in your area by entering your postcode on the NHS Inform website.

Find your local NHS dentist 

You can also register with a dentist via NHS Lothian, who provide healthcare services across the Lothians, including the City of Edinburgh.

Register with an NHS Lothian dentist

Opticians

If you experience any problems with your eyes, you’ll need to make an appointment with an optician.

In Scotland, residents aged 16 to 60 are entitled to a free NHS-funded eye examination every two years.

To find an optician near you, use the NHS Inform website and enter your postcode.

Find your local NHS optician

You can also register with an optician via NHS Lothian, who provide healthcare services across the Lothians, including the City of Edinburgh.

NHS Lothian Optician

Vitality Dental Care (on campus)

Vitality Dental Care is an independent dental practice located inside the Potterrow Student Union building, offering convenient services for students, including:

• Free registration and free examinations
• NHS dental services
• Cosmetic treatments

Visit the Vitality Dental website

Financial help with health costs

If you’re on a low income, you may be eligible for help with health-related costs, including:

• Dental treatment
• Glasses or contact lenses

You can apply using an HC1 form, which is available from most pharmacies or from the Advice Place.

You can download the form online or collect a paper copy in person.

The Advice Place (EUSA Website)