There have been remarkable improvements in dental health in the UK since the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS was created in 1948 with the ambition of providing universal healthcare for all residents. Under the NHS, only dental treatment considered necessary to maintain good oral health is provided and this is charged based on the band of treatment received, with free treatment for pregnant women, patients under the age of 18 years and those with low income benefits. In contrast, the US does not currently have a national healthcare system. There are, however, companies that provide private insurance as well as government funded programmes including Medicare and Medicaid. Medicare is a federal health coverage programme available for anyone aged over 65 years, patients with renal disease and those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis while Medicaid is a federal and state health coverage programme for children and patients with a low income.
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