Living in UK on spouse visa, dentist said they won't accept me as an NHS patient

I'm living in the UK on a spouse visa and tried to register for a dentist. They told me they won't accept me as an NHS patient because I'm not a UK citizen, are they allowed to do this? They are accepting new NHS patients.

No, they're mistaken.  Can you try a different dentist?

You are definitely eligible. You could print this out to show them that, indeed, you are eligible.

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Entitlementsandcharges/OverseasVisitors/Browsable/DH_074376

No, they're mistaken.  Can you try a different dentist?

Yes but I was hoping to use this one because it's the one my husband uses.

You are definitely eligible. You could print this out to show them that, indeed, you are eligible.

newcomer link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Entitlementsandcharges/OverseasVisitors/Browsable/DH_074376 [nonactive]

Thanks, but I don't see it mention dentists anywhere.

Also, regarding this part:

"If you do not have an automatic right to take up permanent residence but have applied to the Home Office for leave to enter/remain on a settled basis, you will be chargeable for any hospital treatment up to the point your application is granted or until you accrue 12 months lawful residence in the UK."

Does this mean I will have to pay for hospital treatment? I entered a few weeks ago on a spouse visa which is valid for 27 months, after which I will apply for permanent residency.

No, you do not have to pay for hospital treatment.  See the following:

Under the current Regulations anyone who comes to the UK to take up permanent residence is fully exempt from charges for National Health Service (NHS) hospital treatment in England.  A person who has been given leave to enter the UK by the Home Office to marry or become the civil partner of someone who is ordinarily resident here may be regarded as taking up permanent residence, and therefore exempt from charges for NHS hospital treatment. This exemption would extend to your children (under the age of 16, or 19 if in further education) if they come to live here with you on a permanent basis.

Once you are living here permanently and have married or become a civil partner you will become ordinarily resident in your own right and the Regulations will cease to apply to you. So will your children if they are living with you permanently.


http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Entitlementsandcharges/OverseasVisitors/Browsable/DH_074377

If it's an NHS dentist, that's the same as an NHS doctor.

I registered with a doctor the first week I was here, and an NHS dentist soon after. If you have a valid visa, you definitely qualify.

Some NHS dentists where we don't accept new patients, but do take private pay. We found a small practice that we love - 3 dentists, nice folks.