NHS vs Private Dental
Cost Calculator
See exactly what any dental treatment costs under the NHS and compare it to typical private fees — so you know what to expect before you sit in the chair.
Select a treatment
Grouped by NHS band — Band 1 is the cheapest, Band 3 the most complex.
Band 1 — £26.80
Band 2 — £73.50
Band 3 — £319.10
💷
Select a treatment above to see the cost comparison
What each NHS band includes
NHS dental charges in England are divided into three bands. The key thing to understand is that you pay one charge per course of treatment, not per item. If you need a filling and an extraction in the same course, you pay one Band 2 charge — not two.
- ✓ Examination and clinical assessment
- ✓ Diagnosis X-rays (bitewing and periapical)
- ✓ Scale and polish (clinical need)
- ✓ Fissure sealants to prevent decay
- ✓ Preventive advice and fluoride treatment
- ✓ Urgent pain-relief treatment
One Band 1 charge covers all Band 1 care in a single course, regardless of how many items are needed.
- ✓ Everything included in Band 1
- ✓ Fillings — any number in the same course
- ✓ Simple tooth extractions — any number
- ✓ Root canal treatment (anterior and posterior)
- ✓ Denture repairs and additions
- ✓ Inlays (in some circumstances)
The Band 2 charge is per course of treatment, not per item. Three fillings in one course = one charge of £73.50.
- ✓ Everything included in Bands 1 and 2
- ✓ Crowns (metal, porcelain-fused-to-metal)
- ✓ Bridges and bridgework
- ✓ Partial and complete dentures
- ✓ Veneers (clinical need only, not cosmetic)
- ✓ Implant superstructures (crown on implant, where funded)
Band 3 is the maximum NHS charge. Everything needed in one course — including any Band 1 and 2 work — is covered by a single Band 3 payment.
Who gets free NHS dental treatment?
You pay nothing for NHS dental treatment in England if you fall into any of these groups. Always tell the practice before your appointment.
Under 18 years old
Or under 19 and in full-time education
Pregnant
Or have given birth in the last 12 months
On qualifying benefits
Income Support, Universal Credit, Pension Credit Guarantee
NHS Low Income Scheme
HC2 (full) or HC3 (partial) certificate holders
NHS hospital treatment
If treatment is carried out in an NHS hospital as an inpatient
Certain health conditions
Discharge from a Community Mental Health Team in the last 12 months
Not sure if you qualify? Apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme via HC1 form — available at NHS dental practices, pharmacies, or online at nhs.uk. If you pay when you shouldn't have, you can claim a refund using form WP1 (HC1) within 6 months of treatment.
NHS dental charges across the UK
🏴
Scotland
Free NHS dental treatment for all Scottish residents, regardless of age or income. No charges apply.
nhsinform.scot →🏴
Wales
Free NHS dental treatment for all Welsh residents. Introduced in April 2023 — one of the most significant expansions of NHS dentistry in decades.
gov.wales →🇳🇮
Northern Ireland
NHS dental charges apply but differ from England. Check nidirect.gov.uk for current rates and exemptions.
nidirect.gov.uk →Should you choose NHS or private dental care?
NHS dentistry is right when…
- ✓ You need essential treatment like fillings, extractions, or root canals
- ✓ Cost is a priority — the NHS savings are substantial, especially for complex work
- ✓ You want your treatment to be clinically assessed and funded without extra persuasion
- ✓ You're happy with standard materials (amalgam fillings, metal crowns)
- ✓ You're exempt from charges — treatment is completely free
Private dentistry is worth considering when…
- → You want treatments the NHS doesn't fund: tooth whitening, cosmetic veneers, implants
- → You prefer premium materials — all-ceramic crowns, tooth-coloured fillings throughout
- → You can't find an NHS dentist accepting new patients in your area
- → You want faster appointments and longer consultation times
- → You're considering a dental plan to spread the cost (Denplan, Bupa, etc.)
A note on private treatment estimates
Private dental practices must provide a written treatment plan and cost estimate before starting any treatment. This is a legal requirement under NHS (Dental Charges) Regulations and General Dental Council guidance. If a practice won't give you a written estimate upfront — walk away. You should also be told clearly whether any part of a course of treatment is on the NHS or private, as mixing the two has specific rules.
Frequently asked questions about NHS dental costs
Do I pay per filling or per course of treatment?
Per course of treatment. If you need three fillings in one course, you pay one Band 2 charge of £73.50 — not three separate charges. A "course of treatment" starts when your dentist accepts you for treatment and ends when the agreed work is complete or you're discharged.
What happens if I can't afford to pay?
Apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC1 form) before your appointment. If approved, you'll receive an HC2 certificate (full exemption) or HC3 certificate (partial reduction). You can also ask the practice about payment plans. NHS practices cannot refuse to treat you because you can't pay — they should signpost you to help.
Can a dentist charge me more than the NHS band rates?
No — if treatment is provided on the NHS, they can only charge the official band rate. If a dentist wants to charge you more for a particular item (e.g. a white filling instead of amalgam), they must offer you the NHS option first and make clear that the upgrade is an additional private charge.
Are implants available on the NHS?
Very rarely. Dental implants are generally not funded by the NHS except in specific clinical circumstances — for example, after jaw surgery or where a patient is unable to wear dentures for medical reasons. In most cases, implants are a private treatment, costing £1,500–£3,000 per implant.
Why has my dentist given me a private quote for a crown when I thought I was an NHS patient?
NHS dentists can offer private treatment alongside NHS treatment, but they must be transparent. You should always be offered the NHS alternative first. NHS crowns are available when clinically necessary — you're entitled to the NHS option at £319.10 (Band 3) unless the specific type of crown you want (e.g. all-ceramic for cosmetic reasons) is not clinically necessary and is therefore only available privately.
How do I claim an NHS dental charge refund?
If you believe you were charged incorrectly, complete form WP1 (available from the dental practice or online) within 6 months of treatment. Submit it to your NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) Dental Payments team. Keep your receipt (form FP17PR) as evidence.
Looking for an NHS dentist?
Search practices accepting new NHS patients near you — live data, updated every morning.
Find a dentist →Have a dental symptom?
Not sure how urgent your problem is? Our symptom checker helps you decide what to do next.
Check your symptom →Disclaimer & data sources
NHS band charges shown are the official 2025–26 rates for England, effective from 1 April 2025, as published by the NHS Business Services Authority. Private cost ranges are based on publicly available information and industry surveys — they are indicative only and will vary significantly depending on your location, the practice, and the specific materials and techniques used. DentistSearch is not a dental practice and does not provide clinical advice. Treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a qualified dental professional. For the most current NHS charges, visit nhs.uk.