Check-up and hygienist prices vary a lot between practices. Of the 86 UK practices in our survey that publish a price for new patient examination, the middle price was £75 (per appointment), with published prices from £35 to £200. On the NHS it falls under Band 1, currently £27.90 in England (from 1 April 2026), if it is clinically needed.
NHS or private
NHS Band 1 covers "examination, assessment and advice (a routine dental appointment)" and "simple management of gum disease, such as scaling". You pay one charge for each course of treatment, and if you need treatments from different bands you pay the highest band.
| NHS charge band (England, from 1 April 2026) | Cost |
|---|---|
| Urgent treatment | £27.90 |
| Band 1: check-up, X-rays, scale and polish if needed | £27.90 |
| Band 2: Band 1 plus fillings, root canal, extractions | £76.60 |
| Band 3: Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges, braces | £332.10 |
NHS dental treatment is free for some people, including under 18s, under 19s in full-time education, and people who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months. Check if you can get free NHS dental treatment.
What practices charge privately
These are prices UK practices publish on their own websites. Where a practice lists a "from" price we used that figure. Your quote depends on your teeth, the materials and the practice, so treat these as a guide and ask for a written plan.
| Treatment | Practices | Lowest | Middle (median) | Highest | "From" prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New patient examination (per appointment) | 86 | £35 | £75 | £200 | 10 |
| Hygienist appointment (per appointment) | 73 | £45 | £80 | £180 | 18 |
Getting an accurate price
- Ask for a written treatment plan with every cost before you agree to treatment.
- Check whether the price includes X-rays, temporary work and follow-up appointments.
- Ask whether the practice offers the treatment on the NHS, and whether you qualify.
- Check the dentist is registered with the General Dental Council.
Compare practices offering dental checkup near you, or send a free enquiry.
Sources: NHS dental charges: nhs.uk, how much NHS dental treatment costs and dental services available on the NHS, checked 6 October 2026. Charges in force from 1 April 2026 under SI 2026/265. Private prices: Smile Today survey of 189 practice price lists collected 2026-10-06, including Deansgate Dental Studio, Knighton Dental Practice, Derby House Dental Practice, Granville Dental & Implant Clinic, Lavender Dental & Implant Clinic, Dental Perfection, Smile Dental Care, Heaton Dental Care, Hacton Dental Care, Hollis Dental Practice, T2 Dental, Burgess Road Dental.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. Prices change, so always confirm with the practice. This guide is general information, not medical advice.