If you normally pay for NHS dental treatment, the amount you spend will depend on what treatment you need.

Some people do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment.

Find out who’s entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England

NHS dental charges April 2023

There are 3 NHS charge bands:

Band 1: £25.80

Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish (if clinically needed), and planning for further treatment.

Band 2: £70.70

Covers all treatment included in Band 1, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth (extractions).

Band 3: £306.80

Covers all treatment included in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures and bridges.

Find out what’s included in each NHS dental band charge, or ask your dentist to explain the charge for your treatment.

What if I need more treatment?

If, within 2 calendar months of completing a course of treatment, you need more treatment from the same or lower charge band, such as another filling, you do not have to pay anything extra.

If the additional treatment needed is in a higher band, you’ll have to pay for the new NHS course of treatment.

But once 2 months have passed after completing a course of treatment, you’ll have to pay the NHS charge band for any NHS dental treatment received.

Certain treatments (including lost items) are guaranteed for 12 months from the date they were completed.

These are:

• fillings
• root fillings
• inlays
• porcelain veneers
• crowns

Treatments provided under this guarantee must be similar or related to the original treatment, but they do not have to be like for like.

Emergency or urgent treatment

If you require urgent care, you’ll pay a Band 1 charge of £25.80.

Most urgent treatments can be done in 1 appointment.

Once your urgent course of treatment is complete, you may be advised to make another appointment for a separate course of non-urgent treatment.

In this case, the relevant NHS banding charge will apply.

When you do not have to pay

There’s no dental charge:

• for denture repairs
• to have stitches removed
• if your dentist has to stop blood loss
• if your dentist only has to write out a prescription – but if you pay for prescriptions, you’ll have to pay the usual prescription charge of £9.65

Referral to another dentist

If you’re referred to another dentist to complete your treatment, the amount you pay is dependent on the type of referral and whether the NHS treatment is carried out as 1 course of treatment.

Your dentist will inform you how much you have to pay.

If you’re referred to a private dentist (and you accept this option), you’ll:

• pay the appropriate NHS banding charge to the dentist who referred you
• also pay a fee for the dental work carried out by the private dentist you’re referred to