NHS dental charges
NHS dentist costs and charges
See the NHS dental charges published for England, Scotland and Wales from 1 April 2026, plus where to check Northern Ireland charges. Charges and eligibility can change, so confirm the cost with your dentist before treatment.
Search for a dentistHow NHS charges work
You normally pay one charge for each course of NHS treatment, based on the treatment you need. If your dentist recommends private treatment, ask them to explain the separate cost before you agree.
Charges differ across the UK
England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use different NHS dental charging arrangements. Do not rely on an England price when arranging care elsewhere in the UK; use the official nation-specific guidance below.
Ask for a treatment plan
Before treatment, ask the practice whether care is NHS or private and what you are expected to pay. Some people qualify for free treatment or help with health costs.
Official routes by UK nation
Dental access and charges are set separately in each nation. These official sources explain the route to care and what to check before treatment.
Key facts
- England uses 3 main treatment bands plus an urgent-care charge.
- Scotland normally charges 80% of the NHS fee up to a maximum per course of treatment.
- Children and some adults qualify for free NHS dental treatment; eligibility rules differ by nation, including Northern Ireland.
Effective from 1 April 2026
Current NHS dental charges
Figures below are taken from the NHS Business Services Authority. Last checked 17 September 2026.
England
| Charge | Price | What it can cover |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.90 | Examination, diagnosis and advice. This can include X-rays, a scale and polish if clinically needed, and planning further treatment. |
| Band 2 | £76.60 | Everything in Band 1, plus treatment such as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth. |
| Band 3 | £332.10 | Everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex treatment such as crowns, dentures and bridges. |
| Unscheduled care | £27.90 | An urgent course of NHS dental treatment. |
Replacement NHS dental appliances under Regulation 11 cost £99.60 for one appliance or £199.20 for two.
Scotland
You pay 80% of the cost of NHS dental treatment, up to a maximum of £384 for each course of treatment, unless you qualify for free treatment.
Wales
| Care package | Patient charge |
|---|---|
| Urgent | £37.50 |
| New patient assessment (18+) | £27.21 |
| Initial assessment (under 18) | £0.00 |
| Simple restorative | £36.03 |
| Extensive restorative | £68.75 |
| Periodontal | £48.53 |
| Anterior root canal treatment | £91.18 |
| Posterior root canal treatment | £182.72 |
| Crown or bridge | £140.44 |
| Denture | £86.40 |
| Stabilisation | £75.00 |
| Miscellaneous | £25.00 |
| Adult recall, per visit | £25.00 |
| Child recall, per visit | £0.00 |
Warranty care for permanent restorations, root fillings, crowns, bridges, inlays, onlays and veneers is listed as £0.00.
NHS dentist costs and charges FAQs
How much is an NHS dental check-up?
In England, a Band 1 course of treatment is £27.90 from 1 April 2026. Scotland and Wales use different charging arrangements, and Northern Ireland has separate Health Service charges.
Do NHS dental charges differ across the UK?
Yes. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use different systems, so check the official guidance for the nation where you receive treatment.
Can I get free NHS dental treatment?
Some people qualify because of age, pregnancy, recent birth, certain benefits or low-income schemes. Check the evidence rules before treatment because an exemption does not guarantee appointment availability.