NHS dental charges

There are three standard charges for all NHS dental treatments. This makes it easier to know how much you may need to pay and also helps to ensure that you are being charged for NHS care (rather than private care).

You receive free NHS dental treatment if you meet the exemption criteria.

If you pay for NHS dental treatment, there are three standard charges. The amount you pay depends on the treatment you might need to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

All NHS dental charges apply to an overall course of treatment, and not the individual items within the course of treatment.

You will only pay one charge for each course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it.

If you need more treatment within the same charge band (for example, an additional filling) within two months of completing a course of treatment, you do not have to pay anything extra.

Band 1 course of treatment

£16.50: This covers an examination, diagnosis (for example an X-ray), advice on how to prevent future problems, and a scale and polish if needed. Urgent treatment when you need to see a dentist immediately also costs £16.50.

Band 2 course of treatment

£45.60: This covers everything listed in band 1, above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Band 3 course of treatment

£198: This covers everything listed in bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges.

These are the only dental charges your dentist will ask you to pay when you are having NHS treatment.

So, for example, an examination, diagnosis, and preventive advice will cost £16.50; an examination, diagnosis, preventive advice and one or more fillings will cost £45.60; and an examination, diagnosis, preventive advice, one or more fillings and one or more crowns will cost £198.00.

Your dentist will give you a treatment plan to sign before carrying out any band 2 or 3 treatments. This confirms the NHS treatment your dentist is going to do, and the amount of the dental charges you will need to pay for it on the NHS. If you have talked to your dentist about having private treatment, details and dental charges for this will be listed separately on the same form. If you are not offered a treatment plan for band 2 or 3 treatments, please ask your dentist for one.

You do not have to pay to have your dentures repaired, for having stitches out or if your dentist has to stop blood loss. Nor do you have to pay if your dentist only needs to write you a prescription (but if you pay for your prescriptions, you will pay the usual charge when you collect your medicine from your pharmacist).

You may need to pay some or all of your treatment costs before you start a course of treatment. Always ask the practice for a receipt.

If you are referred to another dentist as part of an existing course of treatment, you will still only pay one charge (to the dentist who refers you).

However, your dentist may ask for you to be treated by another local dentist for a course of specialist treatment such as treatment under sedation, orthodontics or home visits. This counts as a new course of treatment and means you will need to pay two sets of NHS dental charges: one to your dentist and one to the specialist. This does not apply if you have the right to free NHS dental treatment.

If you choose to be referred to a private dentist or private consultant, then private dental charges will apply.

Who gets free NHS dental treatment?

You can get free NHS dental treatment if you are:

• under 18

• 18 and in full-time education

• pregnant, or have had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts

• an NHS inpatient and the treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist, or

• an NHS Hospital Dental Service outpatient (there may be a charge for dentures and bridges)

You are also entitled to free NHS dental  treatment if you or your partner (including civil partners):

receive Income Support

• receive Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

• receive Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

• are named on, or entitled to (use your award notice as evidence), an NHS tax credit exemption certificate, or

• are named on a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs)

Get a quote for dental insurance

You can get a quote or request further information about different private dental insurance schemes by going to our get a quote page.