NHS Dentist: Costs, Types & What to Expect

Everything you need to know about NHS in the UK. Compare treatments, understand costs and find a trusted practice near you.

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NHS Dental Care in England

The NHS provides dental treatment that is clinically necessary to maintain oral health. This includes check-ups, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, bridges and dentures. Cosmetic treatments like whitening and veneers are not covered.

NHS Dental Charges (2024/25)

  • Band 1 — £26.80: Check-up, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish if clinically needed, advice and planning
  • Band 2 — £77.50: Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canals, extractions
  • Band 3 — £306.80: Everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, bridges, dentures
  • Urgent — £26.80: Emergency assessment and urgent care

Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?

You qualify for free dental treatment if you are: under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education), pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Universal Credit (income criteria), Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Employment and Support Allowance. War pension holders receive free Band 1 treatment.

Finding an NHS Dentist

Use our directory to see which practices near you offer NHS treatment. Unlike GPs, you don't register with an NHS dentist — any practice with availability can treat you. If you can't find one, call NHS 111 or NHS England on 0300 311 2233.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about NHS Dentist

NHS dental charges in England are divided into three bands: Band 1 (£26.80) covers check-ups and X-rays, Band 2 (£77.50) covers fillings and extractions, Band 3 (£306.80) covers crowns, bridges and dentures. Some patients qualify for free treatment.

Free NHS dental treatment is available to under-18s, those under 19 in full-time education, pregnant women, mothers with a baby under 12 months, people receiving certain benefits (Income Support, Universal Credit, ESA), and War Pension holders.

Use our directory to check which local practices offer NHS treatment. You can also call NHS 111 or contact NHS England's Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233. Unlike GPs, you don't need to register — any practice with availability can see you.

Yes. You are not registered with an NHS dentist in the same way as a GP. You can choose to see a different NHS dentist at any time. Simply contact the new practice and book an appointment.

NHS dentistry covers clinically necessary treatment including check-ups, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, bridges and dentures. Cosmetic treatments like whitening, veneers and adult orthodontics are not usually available on the NHS.

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