Patient guide
NHS dental charges explained (England, 2026 to 2027)
What NHS dental treatment costs in England from April 2026: the three charge bands, urgent treatment, and who gets it free.
28 September 2026 · 2 min read
NHS dental treatment in England is charged in three bands. You pay one charge for a whole course of treatment, however many appointments it takes. These are the charges from 1 April 2026.
The three bands
- Band 1: £27.90. An examination, diagnosis and advice. It also includes X-rays, a scale and polish if you need one, and fluoride varnish.
- Band 2: £76.60. Everything in band 1, plus treatment such as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth (extractions).
- Band 3: £332.10. Everything in bands 1 and 2, plus more complex treatment such as crowns, dentures and bridges.
If you need more treatment at the same band within two months of finishing a course, you usually don’t pay again.
Urgent treatment: £27.90
Urgent care, for example for severe pain or a broken tooth, costs £27.90. It covers what’s needed to deal with the urgent problem, such as a temporary filling or taking out a tooth. Further treatment afterwards is charged at the usual band.
Who gets free NHS dental treatment
You don’t pay for NHS dental treatment if, when treatment starts, you’re:
- under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
- pregnant, or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- being treated in an NHS hospital by a hospital dentist (you may pay for dentures or bridges)
You also get free treatment if you or your partner get certain benefits, such as Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit if your income is below a certain amount. If you’re on a low income you may get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
What isn’t available on the NHS
The NHS provides treatment you clinically need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. Purely cosmetic treatment, such as teeth whitening, usually isn’t available on the NHS. Dental implants are only rarely available on the NHS. Ask your dentist what your options are and what each will cost before you agree to treatment.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Charges are different outside England. Check your local health board’s website in Wales, NHS inform in Scotland, or nidirect in Northern Ireland.
This is general information. Charges can change: check with your dentist before treatment starts. Last checked September 2026.
Facts last checked 28 September 2026.
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