Register with a dentist and optician
Information on how to access dental and optician services as a student
Dentists
You will need to register with a dentist to receive any dental work.
You can register with any dentist as it is not restricted to your home address (unlike your GP practice)
Registering with an NHS Dentist will be more cost-effective (typically you would only pay for 20% of the total cost) and there are many dentists in and around Edinburgh that you can access.
You can find an NHS Dental Practice on the NHS Inform website by entering your postcode:
Register with an NHS Lothian dentist (NHS Lothian provides healthcare services in the City of Edinburgh)
Opticians
If you experience any problems with your eyes, you will need to see an optician.
Free eye tests, funded by the NHS, are available to Scottish residents (aged 16-60) every 2 years, if required. You may be able to obtain a free NHS eye examination but you will need to ask an optician’s practice whether they offer this service.
Please note that the cost of prescription glasses or contact lenses is rarely covered by the NHS.
You can find an optician on the NHS Inform website by entering your postcode:
NHS Lothian Optician information (NHS Lothian provides healthcare services in the City of Edinburgh)
Vitality Dental and Optical Care
Located inside the Potterrow student union building, Vitality Dental and Optical Care is an independent medical practice that provides services for students, such as:
- free registration and free examinations
- NHS services
- cosmetic treatments
Visit the Vitality Dental website
Visit the Vitality Optical website
Financial help
Help with health-related costs, such as dental treatment and glasses or contact lenses, may be available if you are on a low income. Apply using an HC1 form, available from the Advice Place or most pharmacies.
You can download a copy of this form from the Advice Place website or collect a paper copy from The Advice Place.