NHS England ensures Service child keeps place on orthodontic treatment waiting list

July 13, 2026

A Service child’s orthodontic treatment was delayed due to repeated relocations disrupting his place on waiting lists.

What was the situation?

A child with a parent in the Armed Forces required NHS orthodontic treatment. However, the family was required to relocate several times due to military service. Every time the family relocated, the child had to join a new waiting list in a different area, even though he had been getting closer to the top of the waiting list in their current area.

What made this Covenant disadvantage?

Due to the Armed Forces needing to relocate the family, the child waited longer for orthodontic treatment than similar civilian families, who are less likely to move as frequently while waiting for healthcare treatment. Accessing treatment became more difficult than for civilian children, as the waiting time that had already passed was not recognised after each Service-related move.

What was done to help?

NHS England investigated the family’s concerns and assessed the impact of the Service-related relocations on the child’s access to orthodontic treatment. NHS England liaised with the local NHS primary care service, to ensure that the child’s position on the orthodontic waiting list reflected the time they had already spent waiting in previous locations.

What was the outcome?

The child’s previous waiting time was now recognised following their move, which helped to ensure he could access his treatment. The family were able to overcome the disruption they had faced despite the Service-related moves.

Wider information

You can read more widely about:

• Covenant support for the Armed Forces community: Healthcare
• How NHS bodies can support the Armed Forces community and implement the Covenant

Disclaimer: This case study is part of the Covenant case study database, which has been developed to illustrate examples of good practice for organisations in scope of the Covenant. It is intended to act as a guide for good delivery, providing practical insight into how fairness for the Armed Forces community can be achieved. Delivery of the Covenant may vary across the UK, so there is no guarantee that the solution outlined in this case study will be available in your area.