NHS dental treatment in 2026 costs £27.40 for a check-up (Band 1), £75.30 for fillings and extractions (Band 2), and £326.70 for crowns, dentures and bridges (Band 3). These prices have been in place since 1 April 2025.
But here’s something many people don’t know: nearly half of all NHS dental patients — around 49.3% — are entitled to completely free treatment. You might be one of them without even realising it.
This guide explains exactly what you’ll pay, who gets free care, and the big changes coming in April 2026 that could save some patients up to £225.
NHS Dental Charges in England (2026)
England uses a simple three-band system for NHS dental fees. You pay one charge for your whole course of treatment, no matter how many appointments you need.
Current NHS Dental Band Prices
These charges came into effect on 1 April 2025, after a 2.3% increase from the previous year:
| Band | Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.40 | Check-up, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish (if clinically needed) |
| Band 2 | £75.30 | Everything in Band 1, plus fillings, root canal, and extractions |
| Band 3 | £326.70 | Everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus crowns, dentures, and bridges |
| Urgent | £27.40 | Emergency treatment to relieve pain |
If you need a replacement denture or brace that’s been lost or damaged, this falls under Regulation 11. You’ll pay £98 for one appliance or £196 for two.
Fact: The NHS dentistry budget in England is estimated at around £4 billion.
What Each Band Includes
Band 1 Treatments (£27.40)
Band 1 covers your basic dental examination and any simple preventive care. This includes:
- Examination and diagnosis
- X-rays (if your dentist needs them)
- Scale and polish (but only if clinically necessary)
- Fluoride varnish
- Treatment planning and advice
- Moulds of your teeth
- Minor adjustments to dentures or braces
A quick note about scale and polish: many patients expect this automatically, but NHS dentists only provide it if they decide it’s clinically needed for your oral health. If it’s not medically necessary, you’d need to pay privately.
Band 2 Treatments (£75.30)
Band 2 includes everything in Band 1, plus most treatments your dentist does directly in the chair:
- Fillings (both amalgam and white composite)
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extractions (one or more teeth)
- Pulpotomy (removing infected dental pulp)
- Deep scaling for gum disease
- Splinting loose teeth after an injury
- Surgical procedures in the mouth
Band 3 Treatments (£326.70)
Band 3 covers the most complex work that usually needs a dental laboratory:
- Crowns (caps for damaged teeth)
- Dentures (full or partial false teeth)
- Bridges (fixed replacements for missing teeth)
- Orthodontic treatment (braces)
- Inlays and onlays
- Veneers (when clinically needed)
Important Charging Rules You Should Know
You only pay once per course of treatment. If your dentist finds you need a filling during your check-up, you don’t pay £27.40 plus £75.30. You just pay the Band 2 fee of £75.30, which covers everything.
The highest band applies. Say you need an examination (Band 1), two fillings (Band 2), and a crown (Band 3). You pay £326.70 total — not all three added together.
The 2-month rule can save you money. If you finish one course of treatment and need more work within two months, you won’t pay again if the new treatment is in the same band or lower. For example, if you paid for Band 2 treatment and need another filling six weeks later, you pay nothing extra.
12-month guarantee. If your crown, bridge or denture fails within a year, your dentist should repair or replace it without charge — as long as you go back to the same practice.
Your dentist must always tell you the cost before starting any treatment.
April 2026 NHS Dental Contract Changes
Big changes are coming to NHS dentistry in April 2026. The government announced these reforms on 16 December 2025, calling them the most significant changes to the NHS dental contract in years.
Fact: The consultation received 2,289 responses from the public and dental professionals.
What’s Actually Changing?
The changes focus on three main areas:
- Making urgent dental care easier to get
- Better support for patients with complex problems
- More focus on prevention, especially for children
The good news? While these changes affect how dentists are paid, the band prices you pay stay the same. What changes is how the NHS funds certain treatments — and for some patients with serious dental problems, this could mean real savings.
New Urgent Care System
From April 2026, urgent dental care will become a core part of every NHS dental contract. This means your local NHS practice must offer emergency appointments.
Currently, many people with dental pain struggle to find a practice that will see them urgently. They either live with the pain or travel miles to find help. The new system aims to fix this.
For dentists: Urgent care payments increase by 76%, from about £42 to £75 per course of treatment. Of this, £15 is paid just for keeping appointment slots available, with £60 paid when treatment is completed.
For patients: You still pay the same £27.40 urgent care charge. But finding an emergency appointment at your local NHS dentist should become much easier.
Practices must now dedicate 8.2% of their NHS contract to urgent and unscheduled care. That works out to roughly 11 urgent appointments for every £10,000 of contract value.
New Complex Care Pathways
Here’s where some patients could see real savings. Three new treatment pathways are being introduced for adults with serious decay or gum disease:
| Condition | New Fixed Fee |
|---|---|
| 5 or more decayed teeth (no gum disease) | £284 |
| 5 or more decayed teeth plus unstable periodontitis | £709 |
| New Grade C periodontitis (severe gum disease) | £248 |
Previously, patients with these complex problems would need multiple separate appointments, each potentially triggering a new Band 2 charge. Under the new system, they get one comprehensive treatment package.
Fact: According to the government, patients with complex needs could save up to £225 under the new pathways.
This means if you have several teeth needing work, or you’ve got serious gum disease, you might pay for one pathway instead of multiple Band 2 courses of treatment.
Prevention Gets a Boost
The reforms also focus on stopping problems before they start:
- Dental nurses can now apply fluoride varnish without needing a dentist to examine you first
- Fissure sealants (protective coatings for children’s teeth) are being re-banded to Band 2, meaning dentists are better paid for this preventive work
- Recall intervals are becoming more flexible — healthy adults might only need check-ups every 24 months rather than every 6-12 months
Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?
Nearly half of NHS dental patients qualify for free treatment. Check if you’re one of them — it could save you hundreds of pounds.
Automatic Exemptions in England
You get completely free NHS dental care if you are:
Age-based:
- Under 18 years old
- Aged 18 and in qualifying full-time education
Pregnancy and maternity:
- Pregnant when your treatment starts
- Have had a baby in the previous 12 months (you’ll need a Maternity Exemption Certificate)
Benefits-based:
- Receiving Income Support
- Receiving Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (not contribution-based)
- Receiving Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (not contribution-based)
- Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Other exemptions:
- Being treated as an NHS hospital dental patient
- War pensioners (for treatment of your accepted disability)
Free Treatment on Universal Credit
This is where many people get confused. Being on Universal Credit does not automatically mean free dental care. You need to check your earnings.
| Your Situation | Earnings Threshold |
|---|---|
| Single, no children | £435 or less in your last assessment period |
| With a child element, or limited capability for work | £935 or less in your last assessment period |
| Couples | Your combined take-home pay must meet the threshold |
Check your most recent Universal Credit award notice before claiming free treatment. If you’re over the threshold, you’ll need to pay — or apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Important: Contribution-based JSA and contribution-based ESA do not give you automatic free dental care. Only income-based versions qualify.
NHS Dental Charges for Pensioners
Here’s a common misunderstanding: pensioners do not automatically get free NHS dental treatment in England.
You only qualify for free care if you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. Having Savings Credit alone isn’t enough.
If you’re a pensioner without Guarantee Credit, you’ll pay the same as everyone else — unless you apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Fact: Many people over 60 wrongly believe they’re entitled to free dental care. In England, age alone doesn’t qualify you for exemption.
NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2 and HC3 Certificates)
If you don’t automatically qualify for free treatment but money is tight, you might get help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
HC2 Certificate — Full Help
An HC2 certificate gives you completely free NHS dental treatment. You may qualify if:
- Your weekly income is at or below your weekly living allowances
- Your savings are below set limits
HC3 Certificate — Partial Help
An HC3 certificate reduces what you pay. Your certificate shows the maximum you’ll need to pay towards treatment costs.
How to Apply
- Fill in form HC1 — get it online at nhsbsa.nhs.uk or call 0300 330 1343
- Give details of your income, savings, and household
- Send it to the NHS Business Services Authority
- You should receive your certificate within 4 weeks
Certificates last between 6 months and 5 years, depending on your circumstances. Remember to renew before yours expires.
Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx)
If you’re pregnant or have recently had a baby, you’re entitled to free NHS dental care throughout your pregnancy and for 12 months after the birth.
How to Get Your MatEx
- Ask your midwife, doctor, or health visitor to complete the application
- Your certificate arrives by email or post within 10 working days
- Show it at every dental appointment
Important: Don’t claim free treatment before you have your certificate. If you can’t prove your entitlement, you could face penalty charges.
If You Lose Your Baby
Your MatEx certificate remains valid until its expiry date. You’re still entitled to free treatment during that period.
NHS Dental Charges Across the UK
Dental charges vary quite a bit depending on where you live. Here’s how the four nations compare:
| Nation | System | Check-up | Fillings | Crowns/Dentures | Maximum |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 3 fixed bands | £27.40 | £75.30 | £326.70 | £326.70 |
| Wales | 3 fixed bands | £20 | £60 | £260 | £260 |
| Scotland | 80% of cost | Free | Varies | Varies | £384 |
| Northern Ireland | 80% of cost | Varies | Varies | Varies | £384 |
NHS Dental Charges in Wales
Wales has the lowest NHS dental charges in the UK right now.
Current Welsh prices:
- Band 1: £20
- Band 2: £60
- Band 3: £260
- Urgent (Band 4): £30
Fact: In Wales, dental examinations are free for everyone under 25 or over 60.
About half of Welsh residents are exempt from dental charges altogether.
Coming April 2026: Wales is introducing a completely new dental contract. Under this system, patients will pay 50% of their treatment package value, capped at a maximum of £384. The Welsh Government says this will mean fairer access to NHS dentistry. Dentist payments are also increasing to £150 per hour.
NHS Dental Charges in Scotland
Scotland works differently. Instead of fixed bands, you pay 80% of your treatment cost, up to a maximum of £384 per course of treatment.
Key benefits in Scotland:
- Dental examinations are free for everyone
- All children and young people under 26 get completely free NHS dental care
- You only pay for actual treatment received, not a fixed band
Fact: Scotland offers the most generous age exemption in the UK — free dental care for everyone under 26.
NHS Dental Charges in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland uses the same 80% system as Scotland, with a £384 maximum per course of treatment.
Exemptions in Northern Ireland:
- Under 18, or 18 and in full-time education
- Pregnant or within 12 months of having a baby
- Receiving qualifying benefits
- Holding a valid HC2 or HC3 certificate
How Much Does Each Treatment Cost?
Here’s a quick reference for common treatments and what you’ll pay:
| Treatment | NHS Band | You Pay (England) |
|---|---|---|
| Check-up/examination | Band 1 | £27.40 |
| X-rays | Band 1 | £27.40 |
| Scale and polish (if needed) | Band 1 | £27.40 |
| Filling | Band 2 | £75.30 |
| Root canal treatment | Band 2 | £75.30 |
| Tooth extraction | Band 2 | £75.30 |
| Wisdom tooth removal | Band 2 | £75.30 |
| Crown | Band 3 | £326.70 |
| Dentures | Band 3 | £326.70 |
| Bridge | Band 3 | £326.70 |
Remember, if you need multiple treatments, you only pay for the highest band once.
Can I Get White Fillings on the NHS?
Yes, white (composite) fillings are available on the NHS when clinically appropriate. Dentists typically use them on front teeth where they’re visible.
For back teeth, your dentist might recommend amalgam (silver) fillings, which are often more durable for chewing surfaces. If you want white fillings on back teeth purely for appearance, you may need to pay privately.
Your dentist should explain your options before starting treatment.
Urgent and Emergency Dental Treatment
Dental emergencies happen. Here’s what counts as urgent and how to get help.
What Counts as Urgent Dental Treatment?
Urgent — needs quick attention:
- Severe tooth or mouth pain affecting sleep or eating
- Swelling in your mouth, face or neck
- Bleeding that won’t stop after an extraction
- A knocked-out or broken tooth from an injury
- Broken filling, crown or denture causing pain
- Signs of infection (pus, fever, spreading redness)
Not urgent — can wait for a routine appointment:
- Mild toothache managed with painkillers
- Chipped tooth with no pain
- Lost filling with no discomfort
- Needing a routine check-up
How Much Does Emergency Dental Treatment Cost?
The urgent care charge is £27.40 — the same as Band 1. This covers treatment to stop severe pain or prevent your condition getting worse.
You might need follow-up treatment afterwards, which could mean additional charges.
How to Get Urgent Dental Care
- Call NHS 111 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Explain your symptoms clearly
- NHS 111 can refer you to the Dental Triage team
- You’ll be offered an appointment within 24 hours to 7 days, depending on how urgent your problem is
From April 2026, finding urgent care should become easier as practices must keep emergency slots available.
NHS vs Private Dental Costs
NHS treatment offers serious savings compared to private dentistry. Here’s a rough comparison:
| Treatment | NHS Cost | Typical Private Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Check-up | £27.40 | £50–£80 |
| Filling | £75.30 | £90–£250 |
| Root canal | £75.30 | £300–£700 |
| Crown | £326.70 | £600–£1,200 |
| Extraction | £75.30 | £100–£350 |
| Full dentures | £326.70 | £800–£2,500 |
Fact: NHS dental treatment is heavily subsidised. What you pay is a fraction of the actual treatment cost.
When Might Private Be Worth It?
Some patients choose private dentistry for:
- Shorter waiting times
- Wider choice of materials (like ceramic crowns)
- Cosmetic treatments are not available on the NHS
- More flexible appointment times
- Seeing the same dentist every time
But for most routine dental care, the NHS offers excellent value.
What’s Not Available on the NHS?
The NHS focuses on treatments that are clinically necessary for your oral health. Some things aren’t covered:
Not available:
- Teeth whitening (considered cosmetic)
- Veneers for appearance only
- Dental implants (except in rare cases like cancer treatment, birth defects, or severe trauma)
- Cosmetic orthodontics (braces just for appearance)
- Sports mouthguards
Limited availability:
- Adult braces — only if there’s a clinical need, not just for looks
- White fillings on back teeth — may need to pay privately
If you lose or damage your dentures or orthodontic appliance, replacement costs fall under Regulation 11 (£98 for one, £196 for two).
The 2-Month Rule Explained
This rule can save you money, so it’s worth understanding.
How it works:
If you complete a course of NHS dental treatment and then need more work within two months:
- And the new treatment is in the same band or lower
- You pay nothing extra
Example:
You pay £75.30 for Band 2 treatment (a filling) in January. Three weeks later, another tooth needs a filling. You go back to the same dentist — no extra charge.
But:
- You must return to the same dentist or practice
- If you need higher band treatment, you pay the difference
- After two months, you’d start a new course of treatment
Penalties for Incorrectly Claiming Free Treatment
Claiming an exemption you’re not entitled to can be costly.
The NHS Business Services Authority runs checks on exemption claims. If they can’t verify your entitlement, you’ll receive an enquiry letter giving you 28 days to provide proof.
Penalty Structure
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original treatment cost | £27.40 – £326.70 |
| Penalty charge | Up to £100 |
| Total you could owe | Up to £426.70 |
If you don’t pay within 28 days, an extra 50% surcharge is added.
Fact: Knowingly making false exemption claims is fraud and can lead to criminal prosecution.
How to Avoid Penalties
- Only claim exemption if you’re certain you qualify
- Keep proof of your entitlement (benefit letters, MatEx certificate)
- If you’re unsure, pay first — you can claim a refund later if you were entitled
- Check your Universal Credit earnings before every appointment
How to Claim a Refund
Paid for treatment but later realised you were entitled to free care? You can claim your money back.
Refund Process
- Get form HC5(D) — the NHS dental charges refund form
- Attach your receipt from the dental treatment
- Include proof of your exemption at the time of treatment
- Submit within 3 months of paying
- Post to: NHS Business Services Authority, Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6SN
Refunds usually take 6–8 weeks to process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an NHS dental check-up in 2026?
In England, an NHS check-up costs £27.40 (Band 1). This includes examination, X-rays if needed, and a scale and polish if clinically necessary. In Wales it’s £20. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, examinations are free.
Do pensioners get free NHS dental treatment?
Not automatically in England. You only qualify if you receive Pension Credit Guarantee Credit. Savings Credit alone doesn’t count. If you don’t qualify, you can apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme.
What is the maximum an NHS dentist can charge?
In England, the maximum is £326.70 (Band 3) for any course of treatment. In Scotland, Wales (from April 2026) and Northern Ireland, the maximum is £384.
Is scale and polish included in an NHS check-up?
Only if your dentist decides it’s clinically necessary for your oral health. If so, it’s included in Band 1 (£27.40). If not clinically needed, you’d have to pay privately.
Can I get white fillings on the NHS?
Yes, when clinically appropriate — usually for front teeth. Back teeth typically receive amalgam (silver) fillings unless there’s a medical reason for white. Ask your dentist about your options.
Does Universal Credit mean free dental treatment?
Not automatically. Your take-home pay must be £435 or less in your last assessment period (or £935 or less if you have a child element or limited capability for work). Always check your award notice before claiming.
What if I can’t afford NHS dental treatment?
Apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme using form HC1. You could get an HC2 certificate (free treatment) or HC3 certificate (reduced costs). Also check whether you qualify for automatic exemptions.
What’s changing in April 2026?
Major NHS dental contract reforms take effect. Key changes include mandatory urgent care slots at NHS practices, new fixed-fee pathways for patients with complex decay or gum disease (potentially saving up to £225), and increased focus on prevention. The band prices you pay as a patient stay the same.
How often can I have an NHS dental check-up?
Your dentist will recommend a recall interval based on your oral health — typically every 6 to 24 months. There’s no fixed limit, but appointments should be clinically appropriate for your needs.
What is the NHS dental 2-month rule?
If you need more treatment within 2 months of finishing a course and it’s in the same or lower band, you pay nothing extra. If you need a higher band, you only pay the difference.
Finding an NHS Dentist
NHS dental treatment offers real value compared to private care. A check-up costing £27.40 on the NHS might cost £50–£80 privately. A crown at £326.70 could set you back £600–£1,200 at a private practice.
The challenge is finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients. Many practices have long waiting lists.
Tips for finding NHS dental care:
- Use the NHS Find a Dentist service online
- Call practices directly and ask if they’re taking NHS patients
- Try calling first thing in the morning when appointments are released
- Ask about NHS waiting lists — some practices will add you and call when space opens
- Contact NHS 111 if you need urgent care and can’t find a dentist
Remember to check whether you qualify for free treatment before your appointment. Nearly half of NHS dental patients are entitled to free care — don’t miss out on what you’re owed.