Private Dentist: Costs, Types & What to Expect

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

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Private Dental Care in the UK

Private dentistry gives patients access to a wider range of treatments, materials and appointment flexibility than NHS care. Private dentists set their own fees and are not limited to the treatments and materials available on the NHS.

Advantages of Private Dental Care

  • Shorter waiting times: Appointments are usually available within days rather than weeks
  • Longer appointments: More time for thorough examinations and treatment
  • Wider treatment options: Access to cosmetic treatments, premium materials and the latest techniques
  • Choice of materials: Tooth-coloured fillings, ceramic crowns and other aesthetic options
  • Continuity of care: More likely to see the same dentist each visit

Private Dental Costs

Private fees vary between practices. Typical costs include: check-up £40 to £80, hygienist £50 to £90, filling £80 to £180, extraction £100 to £300, crown £400 to £900. Many practices publish their fee guides on their websites.

Dental Membership Plans

Many private practices offer monthly membership plans (typically £15 to £30/month) covering routine check-ups, hygienist visits and discounts on treatments. These provide budget certainty and can save money compared to pay-as-you-go if you attend regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Private Dentist

A private check-up typically costs £40 to £80. Fillings range from £80 to £180, extractions £100 to £300, and crowns £400 to £900. Prices vary between practices. Many offer membership plans from £15 to £30 per month covering routine care.

Private dentistry offers shorter wait times, longer appointments, wider material choices and access to cosmetic treatments not available on the NHS. Whether it's worth it depends on your dental needs, budget and how much you value these extras.

Some practices offer both NHS and private treatment. However, NHS and private treatment cannot be mixed within the same course of treatment. You can be an NHS patient for routine care and choose private for specific treatments like whitening.

Membership plans involve a fixed monthly fee (typically £15 to £30) covering routine check-ups and hygienist visits, plus discounts on treatments. They are not insurance but can save money if you attend regularly and provide budget certainty.

Dental insurance is not required. You can pay per treatment or join a practice membership plan. Insurance can help cover unexpected costs but often has exclusions for cosmetic work and waiting periods for major treatments.

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