NHS dental charges explained
NHS dentistry in England uses fixed nationwide charges — you pay the same at any NHS practice, and one charge covers the whole course of treatment, however many visits it takes. Here's how the bands work.
The three bands
| Band | What it covers | Charge (England, from April 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | Examination, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish if clinically needed, preventive advice | £27.40 |
| Band 2 | Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment, extractions | £75.30 |
| Band 3 | Everything in Bands 1–2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other lab work | £326.70 |
Charges usually rise each April — check nhs.uk for the current figures. Urgent treatment is charged at the Band 1 rate. If you need more treatment in the same band within two months, you don't pay again.
Who pays nothing
- Under-18s (under 19 in full-time education)
- Pregnant women and mothers of babies under 12 months
- People on qualifying benefits (Income Support, income-based JSA/ESA, Universal Credit within earnings limits, Pension Credit Guarantee)
- NHS Low Income Scheme certificate holders (HC2 full help, HC3 partial)
How this compares with private
Private prices vary by practice, but as a rough North East guide: a private check-up runs £40–80, a white filling £90–200, and a crown £450–900. Practice payment plans (typically £15–30/month) usually include two check-ups and hygiene visits a year plus treatment discounts — worth comparing against NHS bands if you need regular work, and often the practical fallback where no NHS dentist is taking patients.