How much does NHS dental treatment cost?

In England, NHS dental charges are split into three bands: Band 1 costs £27.90 and covers examination, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish, and planning for further treatment. Band 2 costs £76.60 and covers everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment, and extractions. Band 3 costs £332.10 and covers everything in Band 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures, and bridges. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, charges differ — check with your local dental practice.

Who gets free NHS dental treatment?

In England, you get free NHS dental treatment if you are under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education), pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months, receiving Income Support, income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit (meeting income criteria), hold a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate, hold a valid HC2 certificate, or are an NHS inpatient. In Scotland, all NHS dental examinations are free. In Wales, free dental care for under 25s and over 60s.

NHS Dental Costs

What dental treatment costs on the NHS, who gets it free, and how the banding system works.

📋 Source: NHS England dental charge bands (April 2026). Verified June 2026. NHS Business Services Authority — dental exemptions. NHS Scotland, NHS Wales, and Health and Social Care NI dental charge guidance.
Your doctor or healthcare provider knows your history and circumstances — always follow their personalised advice over general information.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

England — dental charge bands

Band	Cost	What's included
Band 1	£27.90	Examination, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish, planning further treatment, preventive advice
Band 2	£76.60	Everything in Band 1, plus fillings, root canal treatment, extractions
Band 3	£332.10	Everything in Band 1 and 2, plus crowns, dentures, bridges

Prices from 1 April 2026 (2026/27 rates), in effect until 31 March 2027. Verified June 2026. You pay one charge per course of treatment, not per visit. If you need a filling and an extraction in the same course, you pay Band 2 once — not twice.

Other UK nations

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland

NHS dental exams are free. Treatment charges apply but are generally 80% of the cost (you pay 20%). Maximum charge capped at around £384.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 Wales

Similar banding to England but different prices. Free dental care for under 25s and over 60s. All exams free from age 60.

🇬🇧 Northern Ireland

Charges apply for most adults. Free for under 18s, full-time students under 19, pregnant women, and benefit recipients. Check with your practice.

🔍 Do I get free NHS dental treatment? (England)

Tick any that apply:

I am under 18 I am 18 and in full-time education I am pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months I receive Income Support, income-based JSA, or income-related ESA I receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit I receive Universal Credit and met the income criteria I hold a valid HC2 certificate (NHS Low Income Scheme) I hold a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate

Tips for finding an NHS dentist

Finding an NHS dentist taking new patients can be difficult in some areas. Try these:

🔍NHS website: Search at nhs.uk/find-a-dentist 📞Call 111: NHS 111 can help find emergency dental appointments 🏥Dental schools: University dental hospitals offer reduced-cost treatment by supervised students 📋Waiting lists: Ask to be added to a practice's NHS waiting list even if they're not currently accepting

Emergency dental pain? Call NHS 111. They can arrange an emergency appointment, even if you're not registered with a dentist.

🏥

How the NHS Works

Full guide — GP, referrals, costs.

💊

NHS Prescription Costs

Am I exempt? PPC calculator.

✓ Verified June 2026: Current England NHS dental charges, set 1 April 2026 and in effect until 31 March 2027 (a 1.7% rise from the 2025/26 rates of £27.90 / £76.60 / £332.10).

NHS Dental Costs

England — dental charge bands

🔍 Do I get free NHS dental treatment? (England)

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