NHS Dental Charges 2026/27
NHS dental treatment in England is charged on a three-band system. From 1 April 2026 you pay £27.90, £76.60 or £332.10 per course of treatment — once, not per procedure. Over 13 million people in England are entitled to free NHS dental care.
| Band | What It Covers | Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | Examination, X-rays, scale and polish, preventive advice | £27.90 |
| Band 2 | Band 1 plus fillings, root canal, extractions, periodontal treatment | £76.60 |
| Band 3 | Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, bridges, dentures | £332.10 |
| Urgent | Emergency assessment and pain relief | £27.90 |
The Stacking Rule Most Patients Miss
You pay one band charge per course of treatment at the highest band required. If your dentist finds you need three fillings and an extraction, you pay one Band 2 charge — £76.60 total. Not per filling. If you need a filling and a crown, you pay one Band 3 charge (£332.10) which covers everything in that course.
A dentist's note
In practice the band system trips people up most around courses of treatment. If your dentist finds you need a filling today and a crown in three weeks, that's usually one course — you pay the single highest band (Band 3), not both. But if you finish a course, get discharged, and return later with a new problem, that starts a fresh course and a fresh charge. If you're unsure, ask your practice to confirm whether follow-up work is part of the same course before you book it. And a common myth worth killing: turning 60 does not make NHS dental treatment free in England — only the exemptions below do.
Not sure which band your treatment falls under? Pick a procedure to see the NHS charge and what it covers. Remember: you pay one charge per course of treatment — the highest band that applies — not one per procedure.
England: Band 1 £27.90 · Band 2 £76.60 · Band 3 £332.10
Wales: New contract from April 2026 — fixed fee per treatment type, capped at £384 per course.
Scotland: All NHS dental treatment is free for every resident, regardless of age or income.
Northern Ireland: Item-of-service system; patients pay 80% of cost up to £384 per course. Routine exam approximately £7.20.
Price Comparison by Procedure
| Treatment | NHS Band | NHS Cost | Private Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check-up | Band 1 | £27.90 | £50 – £150 |
| Scale and polish | Band 1 | £27.90 | £50 – £130 |
| Composite filling | Band 2 | £76.60 | £80 – £250 |
| Simple extraction | Band 2 | £76.60 | £100 – £350 |
| Root canal (single) | Band 2 | £76.60 | £200 – £700 |
| Crown (porcelain) | Band 3 | £332.10 | £400 – £900 |
| Full dentures | Band 3 | £332.10 | £500 – £2,500 |
| Dental implant | Not covered | — | £1,800 – £3,500 |
| Invisalign | Not covered | — | £1,500 – £5,500 |
| Veneers (per tooth) | Not covered | — | £300 – £1,200 |
| Teeth whitening | Not covered | — | £200 – £600 |
Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment
You pay nothing if, at the time of treatment, you are:
- Under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
- Pregnant, or have given birth within the previous 12 months
- Receiving Universal Credit (within the income threshold)
- Receiving Income Support, Income-related ESA or JSA
- Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- Named on a valid HC2 certificate (NHS Low Income Scheme)
- An NHS inpatient treated by a hospital dentist
If you claim free treatment you are not entitled to, you may face a penalty of up to £100 per charge.
A filling is Band 2 — £76.60. This covers all fillings needed in one course of treatment, plus any extractions or root canal work in the same course. You do not pay per filling.
Not routinely. Implants are only available on the NHS in exceptional circumstances, such as after oral cancer treatment or significant facial trauma. For most patients, implants are private-only, typically costing £1,800 to £3,500 per tooth.
No. Teeth whitening is considered cosmetic and is not available on the NHS. Private whitening costs £200 to £600.
Only if your earnings are below the Universal Credit income threshold for health costs. Check with the NHS Business Services Authority or apply for an HC2 certificate through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
Always verify current charges and your own eligibility against primary sources:
NHS charges current as of 1 April 2026. Source: Department of Health and Social Care, NHS.uk. Private ranges from published practice fee guides. Methodology.