How NHS dental charges work
NHS dental treatment in England is grouped into three charge bands. You pay a single fixed charge for an entire course of treatment within one band — not per item. This means if you need a check-up, two fillings, and a scale and polish in the same appointment or course of treatment, you pay the Band 2 charge once, not three separate fees.
The bands are set by NHS England and reviewed annually. The current charges for 2025–26 are shown below.
Band 1 — £26.80
Band 1 covers examination, diagnosis, and any necessary X-rays. It also includes a scale and polish (cleaning) and urgent treatment if you are in pain.
This is the band you pay for a standard check-up. If the dentist finds nothing that needs treatment beyond cleaning, you pay £26.80 and that is it.
Preventive advice — fluoride treatments, fissure sealants on children's teeth — can also fall into Band 1.
Band 2 — £73.50
Band 2 covers everything in Band 1 plus any further treatment — most commonly fillings, root canal treatment, and extractions.
If your check-up reveals you need a filling, the dentist will usually complete it in the same course of treatment. You pay Band 2 (£73.50) rather than Band 1, but all fillings needed in that course of treatment are included.
Root canal treatment on a single tooth, or the removal of a tooth, also falls here.
Band 3 — £319.10
Band 3 is the most complex band and covers laboratory-made restorations: crowns, bridges, dentures (full or partial), and inlays.
Again, all treatment in a single course — including the Band 1 and Band 2 elements — is covered by the one Band 3 charge. If you need a crown and a filling at the same time, you pay £319.10, not £319.10 + £73.50.
Orthodontic treatment (braces) is charged separately under a different scheme.
Who is exempt from NHS dental charges?
Many people pay nothing for NHS dental treatment. You are automatically exempt if you are:
- Under 18 years old (or under 19 and in full-time education)
- Pregnant, or have had a baby in the past 12 months
- Receiving NHS Hospital dental treatment
- Receiving certain benefits: Universal Credit, NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2/HC3 certificate), Income Support, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, or Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
If you receive a qualifying benefit, you must declare this before your treatment. Your dentist will ask you to sign a form (FP17PR) confirming your entitlement. Giving false information can result in a penalty charge.
Help with costs — the NHS Low Income Scheme
If you don't qualify for automatic exemption but have a low income, you may be entitled to free or reduced-cost treatment via the NHS Low Income Scheme (also called the HC1/HC2 scheme).
You apply by completing an HC1 form (available from NHS dentists, hospitals, or online). If approved, you receive an HC2 certificate that entitles you to free treatment, or an HC3 certificate for partial help.
The scheme is means-tested — your income, savings, and outgoings are all considered. Applications are free and there is no risk in applying.
What about Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland?
NHS dental charges differ across the UK nations. In Wales, adult NHS dental charges were abolished for registered patients in 2006 — most NHS treatment is free. Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own fee structures, which are generally lower than England.
This guide focuses on England. If you are in Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, check the relevant national health service website for current charges.
Can I spread the cost?
NHS treatment must be paid before or at the time of your appointment — there is no NHS payment plan. However, if you need extensive Band 3 treatment, some practices may allow you to spread the cost privately using a finance provider, though this would be outside of NHS treatment.
A dental plan (see our guide on dental plans) can help budget for regular check-ups and X-rays, often covering Band 1 costs entirely.
If you can't find an NHS dentist
Millions of people in England are unable to register with an NHS dentist due to a chronic shortage of NHS appointments. If you can't find one accepting new patients near you, use Dentist Search to watch practices and be alerted the moment one near you opens its books.
In the meantime, NHS 111 can direct you to emergency NHS dental services for urgent pain or swelling. Walk-in dental clinics and dental schools often provide treatment at lower cost than private dentistry.