NHS dental charges
| Band | You pay | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.90 | Examination, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish if needed, and advice. |
| 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, bridges and other lab work. |
| Urgent treatment | £27.90 | Urgent assessment and specific urgent care, such as pain relief or a temporary filling. |
You pay one band charge per course of treatment. Some people get free NHS dental care, for example under-18s, pregnant women and people on certain benefits. Source: NHS.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Scotland: NHS dental check-ups are free. You pay 80% of the cost of treatment, up to a maximum of £384 per course. (source)
- Wales: Wales has its own set charges by type of care, for example £27.21 for a new patient assessment, £25.00 for a recall check-up and £37.50 for urgent care (from 1 April 2026). (source)
- Northern Ireland: You pay 80% of the dentist's fee for health service treatment, up to a maximum of £384. (source)
Private prices compared
| Treatment | Typical private price | On the NHS (England) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental implant | £2,000–£3,500 | Rarely | Price guide → |
| Invisalign and clear aligners | £2,500–£4,000 | Not for cosmetic reasons | Price guide → |
| Dental crown | £600–£1,200 | £332.10 (Band 3) | Price guide → |
| Root canal treatment | £400–£1,200 | £76.60 (Band 2) | Price guide → |
| Teeth whitening | £300–£600 | Not available | Price guide → |
Private ranges are based on prices published by UK dental practices and chains in October 2026. Prices vary a lot between practices, even within the same chain.
Why the gap is so big
NHS charges are set nationally and are the same at every NHS practice, however complex your treatment. Private dentists set their own fees, and the price usually reflects the materials, the lab, the dentist's experience and the practice's costs. Private care can also include treatments the NHS doesn't offer for cosmetic reasons, such as whitening, clear aligners for adults and most implants.
The hardest part of NHS dentistry is often finding a practice that's taking new NHS patients. Use our dentist finder to see practices near you, then call to ask.
Ways to pay less for private dental work
- Ask your dentist which parts of your treatment could be done on the NHS.
- Get a written treatment plan and price before you start, and compare more than one practice for big jobs like implants.
- Consider a dental insurance policy or a health cash plan if you see a dentist regularly. They pay back part of your costs up to a yearly limit, usually after a waiting period.
- Many practices offer monthly payment plans or interest-free finance on larger treatments.
Questions and answers
How much does an NHS dentist cost in England?
From 1 April 2026 there are three NHS charge bands in England: Band 1 costs £27.90 (check-up, X-rays, scale and polish), Band 2 costs £76.60 (adds fillings, root canal and extractions) and Band 3 costs £332.10 (adds crowns, dentures and bridges). Urgent treatment costs £27.90.
Why is private dental treatment so much more expensive?
NHS charges are set nationally and don't reflect the full cost of treatment. Private dentists set their own fees and often offer more choice of materials, longer appointments and cosmetic treatments the NHS doesn't provide.
Can I have some treatment on the NHS and some privately?
Yes. Many dentists offer both. You can have NHS treatment for what's clinically needed and choose to pay privately for extras, such as a white filling on a back tooth or a cosmetic crown. Your dentist should explain which is which before you start.
Who gets free NHS dental treatment?
In England, free NHS dental treatment includes under-18s (or under 19 in full-time education), pregnant women and those who've had a baby in the last 12 months, and people on certain benefits or with an HC2 certificate. Check the NHS website for the full list.
Does health insurance cover the dentist?
Standard private medical insurance doesn't cover routine dental care. Dental insurance or a health cash plan can pay back part of the cost of check-ups and treatment, up to a yearly limit.