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DentalWatch

NHS dental charges in England

Current NHS dental charges in England from 1 April 2026: Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10, and what each band covers.

Last reviewed 7 November 2026

NHS dental treatment in England costs one of three fixed amounts, called bands, depending on what you need. The prices below apply from 1 April 2026.

BandCostWhat it covers
Urgent treatment£27.90Urgent assessment and treatment to stabilise a problem: for example X-rays, a temporary filling, draining an abscess, removing up to 2 teeth, or one urgent filling.
Band 1£27.90Examination, diagnosis and advice. Includes X-rays if needed, scale and polish if clinically needed, fluoride, and planning further treatment.
Band 2£76.60Everything in Band 1, plus fillings, root canal treatment, removing teeth (extractions), and some gum treatment.
Band 3£332.10Everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus crowns, dentures, bridges, and other lab-made appliances.

Before 1 April 2026 the bands were £27.40, £75.30 and £326.70. The rise averaged about 1.7%.

How the charges work

  • You pay once per course of treatment, not per appointment. A course of treatment is everything your dentist decides you need to make your mouth healthy, which may take several visits.
  • You pay the highest band involved. If you need a check-up (Band 1) and two fillings (Band 2), you pay £76.60, not £27.90 + £76.60.
  • Within 2 months, further treatment in the same or a lower band is free. If you finish a Band 2 course and need another filling within two months, you shouldn't be charged again.
  • Your dentist should give you a written treatment plan for Band 2 and Band 3 courses that shows the cost.
  • Cosmetic treatment isn't available on the NHS. Whitening and most adult braces are private only.

Who doesn't pay

Some people get NHS dental treatment free, including under-18s, under-19s in full-time education, people who are pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months, and people on certain benefits. See who gets free NHS dental treatment.

If you're on a low income but don't qualify for free treatment, the NHS Low Income Scheme may cover part of the cost (an HC3 certificate).

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

These charges are for England only. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland set their own NHS dental charges.

Finding a practice that takes NHS patients

The charges only apply if you can see a dentist as an NHS patient. Search your postcode to see which practices near you say they're accepting new NHS patients, and how recently they confirmed it.

Sources

This guide explains costs and routes to care. It isn't medical advice. For urgent symptoms call NHS 111 or, in an emergency, 999. See our editorial policy.