NHS dental charges are set by the government and apply to all NHS dental treatments in England. Here's the current fee structure, who is exempt, how NHS charges compare to private costs, and your rights if you can't find an NHS dentist.
NHS Dental Charge Bands 2026/27
| Band | Cost | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £26.80 | Examination, diagnosis, X-rays, scale & polish, treatment planning, preventive advice |
| Band 2 | £73.50 | Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, extractions, root canal treatment, gum treatments |
| Band 3 | £319.10 | Everything in Bands 1 & 2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges, and other lab-made items |
| Urgent | £26.80 | Emergency examination, X-ray, and one immediate treatment (e.g., extraction, temporary filling) |
You pay ONE charge per course of treatment, regardless of how many appointments it takes. If you need two fillings and a root canal, you pay one Band 2 charge (£73.50), not three.
Who Is Exempt from NHS Dental Charges?
The following groups receive free NHS dental treatment:
• Under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education)
• Pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months (with a valid MatEx certificate from your midwife)
• NHS inpatients (treatment by the hospital dentist)
• Receiving Income Support, Income-based JSA, or Income-related ESA
• Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Named on a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs)
• Named on a valid HC3 certificate (partial help — you pay a capped amount)
• Universal Credit with no earnings, or earnings below £435/month (or £935 if your claim includes a child element)
• War pensioners (for treatment of the accepted disability)
⚠️Penalty Charges — Claiming exemption when you're not entitled results in a penalty of up to £100 PLUS the full treatment cost. The NHS Business Services Authority actively audits exemption claims — this is not a theoretical risk. Over 500,000 checks are made each year.
NHS vs Private Dental Costs
Understanding the cost difference helps you make informed choices about your dental care:
| Treatment | NHS Cost | Typical Private Cost | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check-up + clean | £26.80 | £50–£100 | £23–£73 |
| Single filling | £73.50 | £80–£250 | £7–£177 |
| Root canal | £73.50 | £250–£700 | £177–£627 |
| Crown | £319.10 | £400–£1,200 | £81–£881 |
| Full dentures | £319.10 | £500–£3,000 | £181–£2,681 |
| Implant (per tooth) | Not NHS* | £1,500–£3,500 | N/A |
| Orthodontics (adult) | Rarely NHS* | £2,000–£6,000 | N/A |
*Dental implants and adult orthodontics are generally not available on the NHS except in specific clinical circumstances (e.g., following cancer treatment, trauma, or severe malocclusion affecting function).
What's Available on the NHS vs Private Only
NHS dental treatment covers clinically necessary care, but not cosmetic treatments:
**Available on the NHS:**
• Check-ups and preventive care
• Fillings (amalgam or tooth-coloured where clinically appropriate)
• Extractions
• Root canal treatment
• Crowns, bridges, and dentures
• Gum treatment
• Children's orthodontics (if clinically necessary)
**Generally private only:**
• Dental implants (except trauma/cancer cases)
• Adult orthodontics (Invisalign, fixed braces for cosmetic reasons)
• Teeth whitening
• Porcelain veneers
• Premium materials (e.g., all-ceramic crowns when NHS-appropriate materials are available)
Finding an NHS Dentist
Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients can be challenging, particularly in rural areas and parts of the North and Midlands. Options:
• **NHS.uk "Find a dentist" tool**: Search by postcode for practices accepting NHS patients
• **Call practices directly**: Many don't update online listings regularly — phone is more reliable
• **Contact your local ICB**: They maintain lists of practices accepting new patients
• **Community dental services**: For patients who can't access mainstream dental care (disabilities, phobias, complex needs)
• **NHS 111**: Can advise on urgent dental care and out-of-hours services
• **NHS England Customer Contact Centre**: 0300 311 22 33 — can help locate available practices
If you genuinely cannot find an NHS dentist, document your attempts and contact your local Healthwatch or MP — access to NHS dental care is a growing political issue.
Your Rights as an NHS Dental Patient
• You have the right to clear information about costs before treatment starts
• Your dentist must explain treatment options (NHS and private) and let you choose
• You cannot be forced to have private treatment as a condition of receiving NHS care
• You can complain through the NHS complaints procedure if you're unhappy with care
• You can request a copy of your dental records
• You can change dentist at any time without needing a referral
Dental Payment Plans and Help
If you can't afford NHS dental charges but don't qualify for full exemption:
• **HC1 form**: Apply for an HC2 (full help) or HC3 (partial help) certificate based on your income
• **Payment plans**: Many practices offer instalment payments for Band 3 treatment
• **Dental schools**: University dental hospitals offer reduced-cost treatment provided by supervised students
• **Charitable organisations**: Some charities provide free dental care for specific groups (homeless, refugees, veterans)
• **NHS Low Income Scheme**: If your income is low but above benefit thresholds, you may qualify for partial help