Thank you for your request for information about the following:

Request

‘No, as illustrated on so many occasions, the NHS (and your own) website/s state that …. “You or your partner” (w/out qualification/s) is in receipt of P C G C “. Why is this obviously misleading statement (which remain on both sites) not marked with an asterisk (as per another qualification listed). My wife (originally from Singapore) may have missed any such additional qualification on the form (… and I assume you mean “gets or IS included in an award of Pension Credit Guarantee Credit.”

Why is this qualification NOT included on the NHS/NHSBSA websites, so as to avoid confusion. Can I request a FOI disclosure on how often this error occurs?... as it appears to me that it’s such an obvious failure on behalf of the NHS / NHSBSA sites.’

[On 17 June 2025 you clarified your request as follows]

'To clarify: it has been agreed in talks with agents from NHSBSA-DECS that the statement(s) on NHS & NHSBSA websites in relation to free dental treatment for 'you or your partner being in receipt of Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit' are totally misleading.

I would like to know how many - Nationally, with area breakdown/s if possible - NHS patients are currently being pursued / fined for potential 'misuse' / misunderstanding of this specific aspect of free dental treatment.'

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) received your request on 21 May 2025, with clarification received on 17 June 2025.

We have handled your request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA).

Our response

On our website we do state you’re only entitled to free dental treatment if you’re named on a claim for Pension Credit Guarantee Credit:

https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/dont-get-caught-out-penalty-charges

Question 1 - I would like to know how many - Nationally, with area breakdown/s if possible - NHS patients are currently being pursued / fined for potential 'misuse' / misunderstanding of this specific aspect of free dental treatment.

I am writing to advise you that following a search of our paper and electronic records, I have established that the information you requested is not held by the NHSBSA.

We have no way of knowing who has been fined based on their misunderstanding of the guidance and consequently, the requested information is not held by the NHSBSA.

Data Queries

Please contact foirequests@nhsbsa.nhs.uk ensuring you quote the above reference if you have any specific questions regarding this response; or, if you feel you may be misunderstanding or misinterpreting the information; or, if you plan on publishing the data.

Reusing the data and copyright

If you plan on producing a press or broadcast story based upon the data please contact communicationsteam@nhsbsa.nhs.uk. This is important to ensure that the figures are not misunderstood or misrepresented.

The information supplied to you continues to be protected by the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 and is subject to NHSBSA copyright. This information is licenced under the terms of the Open Government Licence detailed at:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/

Should you wish to re-use the information you must include the following statement: “NHSBSA Copyright 2025”. Failure to do so is a breach of the terms of the licence.

Information you receive which is not subject to NHSBSA Copyright continues to be protected by the copyright of the person, or organisation, from which the information originated. Please obtain their permission before reproducing any third party (non NHSBSA Copyright) information.