NHS dental charges 2026/27 in England
Three bands and an urgent rate, set by the government and the same at every NHS practice in England. In force from 1 April 2026.
| Band | Charge | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.90 | Examination, diagnosis, advice, X rays, scale and polish if clinically needed, preventive care |
| Band 2 | £76.60 | Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment, extractions, sealants |
| Band 3 | £332.10 | Everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges, inlays, orthodontics |
| Urgent | £27.90 | Emergency assessment and treatment to deal with the immediate problem |
How the bands work
You pay one charge for a course of treatment, whatever it includes, at the rate of the highest band needed. A check up that leads to two fillings is one Band 2 charge of £76.60, not Band 1 plus Band 2. If you need more treatment within two months of finishing a course, and it is in the same or a lower band, you do not pay again.
Urgent treatment is £27.90 and covers dealing with the immediate problem. If you then need a filling or a crown, that is a new course at the normal band.
Who does not pay
- Under 18, or under 19 and in full time education
- Pregnant, or had a baby in the last 12 months (with a valid maternity exemption certificate)
- Receiving Income Support, income based JSA, income related ESA, Pension Credit guarantee credit, or Universal Credit with earnings under the threshold
- Holding an NHS tax credit exemption certificate or an HC2 certificate (HC3 gives partial help)
- NHS hospital dental patients, for treatment by the hospital
Claiming free treatment you are not entitled to carries a £100 penalty on top of the charge. Check on the NHS BSA eligibility checker.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
These charges are England only. Scotland has free NHS examinations and charges 80% of the cost of treatment up to a cap. Wales uses three bands at different prices. Northern Ireland charges 80% of the treatment cost up to a cap. We cover England; use the national health service site for your nation for current figures.
Source: Understanding NHS dental charges, nhs.uk, checked 1 October 2026.
Dental plans and insurance
If you pay for private dentistry, a dental plan (Denplan, Bupa, Simplyhealth and others) spreads the cost monthly and usually covers check ups and hygienist visits. Compare what is actually included before signing; most exclude cosmetic work.
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