NHS dental treatment in England is charged in three bands, from £27.90 to £332.10 per course of treatment. Many people do not realise they are exempt from charges, and others overpay because they do not know how the system works. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own charges.
NHS dental charge bands in England
NHS dental treatment in England is grouped into three bands. You pay one charge per course of treatment, however many appointments it takes. If you need treatment from more than one band, you pay the highest band's charge.
- Band 1, £27.90: examination, diagnosis, X-rays if needed, scale and polish if clinically needed
- Band 2, £76.60: everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions
- Band 3, £332.10: everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures and bridges
- Urgent treatment, £27.90
- If you need more treatment within 2 months in the same or a lower band, there is no extra charge
Do I pay separately for each appointment in a course of treatment?
Who gets free NHS dental treatment?
Many people are entitled to free NHS dental care in England. Check the full rules on nhs.uk before your appointment, because claiming free treatment you are not entitled to can lead to a penalty charge. In Scotland, NHS dental examinations are free for everyone.
- Under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
- Pregnant, or had a baby in the previous 12 months
- Getting Universal Credit and earning below the limit set by the NHS rules
- Getting income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Named on an NHS Low Income Scheme HC2 certificate (HC3 gives partial help)
- Treatment by a hospital dentist is free, though you may pay for dentures or bridges
- Scotland: examinations free for all
Finding an NHS dentist
Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients has become harder in recent years. Use the Find a dentist service on nhs.uk. If you need urgent dental care and cannot find a dentist, call NHS 111.
- Search for a dentist on nhs.uk
- Call NHS 111 for urgent dental care (free, 24 hours)
- Dental hospitals sometimes offer NHS treatment
- You do not have to be registered with a dentist in England: you can contact any practice offering NHS care
- Dental schools may offer treatment by supervised students
Dental plans: are they worth it?
Private dental plans spread costs through a monthly fee and usually cover checkups, hygienist visits and some treatment. They may be worth it if you cannot get an NHS dentist or need regular treatment. For a healthy adult with an NHS dentist who just needs a checkup or two a year, paying the £27.90 Band 1 charge is usually cheaper.
- Compare monthly fees with what you would pay in NHS charges
- Private plans suit those who need regular treatment or have no NHS dentist
- Check what is included, as emergency and overseas cover varies
- Health cash plans pay back part of dental costs up to an annual limit
- Budget for dental costs as part of your monthly budget
- nhs dentist
- dental costs
- dental charges
- free dental treatment
- uk health