NHS vs private dentist: what's the real difference in cost?
For treatment the NHS covers, NHS charges are almost always cheaper — but access is the problem in 2026. Here's the honest comparison, and where going private actually pays off.
| Treatment | NHS | Private (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Check-up & X-rays | £27.90 | £50 – £95 |
| White filling | £76.60 | £95 – £250 |
| Root canal | £76.60 | £300 – £1,200 |
| Crown | £332.10 | £450 – £1,100 |
| Teeth whitening | Not on NHS | £200 – £600 |
| Dental implant | Rarely on NHS | £1,800 – £3,500 |
NHS charges are the fixed England rates for 2026. Full NHS band breakdown →
Pick a treatment to see the fixed NHS charge next to the typical private range in London. NHS charges are set nationally by the DHSC; private fees vary by practice and postcode, so treat these as indicative guides and always confirm with the practice.
On paper the NHS wins on price for every treatment it covers. In practice, a large share of NHS lists are closed to new patients in 2026, so millions of people go private simply because they cannot get an NHS appointment. If you can find an NHS dentist accepting patients, take it — it is the cheapest route for standard care.
Where the NHS won't help — cosmetic work, most implants, or when you need treatment sooner than the waiting list allows — you're comparing private fees only. And private fees for the same crown or implant can differ by hundreds of pounds between neighbouring practices.
Check first whether you qualify for free NHS care — nearly half of NHS dental patients do. For private work, get an itemised written plan from two or three CQC-registered practices and check for 0% finance. That combination — NHS where you can, compared private where you can't — is how you avoid overpaying.
Compare CQC-checked dentists near you → · Ways to save on dental care →
Is an NHS dentist cheaper than private?
Yes, for anything the NHS covers. NHS charges are fixed nationally at £27.90 (Band 1), £76.60 (Band 2) and £332.10 (Band 3) in England for 2026 — usually far below private fees. The catch is availability: many NHS lists are closed to new patients.
What does the NHS not cover?
The NHS does not fund purely cosmetic treatment such as teeth whitening or veneers, and only rarely funds implants. For those you compare private fees only — which vary widely between practices.
Why can I not find an NHS dentist?
NHS dentistry is under severe pressure in 2026, and a large share of practices are not accepting new NHS patients. You can call NHS 111 for urgent care, join several waiting lists, or contact your Integrated Care Board (ICB) for local options.
When is going private worth it?
Private care is worth it when you cannot access NHS treatment in time, want cosmetic work the NHS does not provide, or prefer a specific material or clinician. Because private fees differ by hundreds of pounds for the same treatment, comparing practices is where the real saving is.
NHS charges: DHSC / NHS England, 2026. Private ranges from published UK practice fee guides. General information, not clinical or financial advice.