How Much Do NHS Dental Treatments Cost? 2026/27 Bands Explained
NHS dental treatment in England is charged in three bands, plus a charge for urgent care. Here is what each covers, how a course of treatment is priced and who is exempt.
Updated · 4 min read
NHS dental treatment in England costs £27.90 for a Band 1 check-up, £76.60 for Band 2 treatment such as fillings and extractions, and £332.10 for Band 3 treatment such as crowns and dentures. Urgent treatment costs £27.90. You pay one charge for each course of treatment, based on the highest band you need, and some people pay nothing at all.
The charges at a glance
| Band | Cost | Typical treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Urgent | £27.90 | Emergency assessment, temporary filling, up to 2 extractions |
| Band 1 | £27.90 | Check-up, X-rays, scale and polish if clinically needed |
| Band 2 | £76.60 | Fillings, root canal treatment, extractions |
| Band 3 | £332.10 | Crowns, dentures, bridges, braces |
These are the charges shown on the NHS website. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own systems and charges.
How a course of treatment is charged
The charge covers a whole course of treatment, not each visit or each tooth.
- If you need several treatments from the same band, you pay that band's charge once. For example, three fillings cost £76.60 in total.
- If you need treatments from different bands, you pay the charge for the highest band. For example, a filling and a crown in the same course cost £332.10, not both charges added together.
The dental professional should tell you the cost before starting treatment.
What each band covers
Band 1: £27.90
- examination, assessment and advice
- X-rays if needed
- fluoride applied to your teeth
- scaling (a thorough clean of your teeth and gums) if clinically needed
- moulds of your teeth
- small adjustments to dentures or braces
Extensive gum treatment may be charged as Band 2. If your dentist says scaling is not clinically needed, it is only available privately.
Band 2: £76.60
Everything in Band 1, plus treatments such as:
- fillings, including white fillings on front teeth where clinically appropriate
- root canal treatment
- removing teeth and other oral surgery
- sealants
- adding a tooth or clasp to dentures, or relining them
- extensive treatment for gum disease
Band 3: £332.10
Everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus:
- crowns
- inlays and onlays
- dentures
- bridges
- orthodontic treatment such as braces, where clinically necessary
- other custom-made appliances, apart from sports guards
Urgent treatment: £27.90
Urgent appointments can include an assessment, X-rays, a temporary filling, emergency root canal work, re-fixing a crown or bridge, removing up to 2 teeth, draining an abscess and one urgent filling. You may need further treatment afterwards, which is charged separately.
Further treatment within 2 months
If you need more treatment within 2 months of finishing a course, you do not pay again if it is in the same band or a lower one. If it is in a higher band, you pay the higher band charge. After 2 months, any new treatment is a new course.
Treatment that is free for everyone
You do not pay for:
- having stitches removed
- having bleeding from your mouth stopped, for example after an extraction
- having dentures repaired
If dentures cannot be repaired, you pay for new ones.
Who gets free NHS dental treatment
According to the NHS website, you get free NHS dental treatment in England if you are:
- under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
- pregnant or have had a baby or a stillbirth in the last 12 months
- being treated in an NHS hospital by a hospital dentist (though you may still pay for dentures or bridges)
- getting certain benefits, or your partner is, such as income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit below an income limit
People on a low income may get full or partial help through the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2 or HC3 certificates). Unlike prescriptions, being over 60 does not make dental treatment free.
If you claim free treatment, the dental practice will ask for proof. Claiming when you are not entitled can lead to a penalty charge, so check if you are unsure.
NHS or private treatment?
The NHS provides treatment that is clinically needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. Cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening and most veneers, are usually private.
Your dentist must make clear which treatments are available on the NHS and which are private, and the cost of each. For Band 2 or Band 3 treatment, or a mix of NHS and private care, you should get a written treatment plan to sign. If you are offered a private option, you can still choose the NHS treatment instead.
More detailed guides
We have guides to specific treatments:
- registering with an NHS dentist
- the cost of an NHS crown
- the cost of NHS dentures
- the cost of an NHS filling
- dental implants on the NHS
Cost questions people ask
Do I pay for a check-up if nothing is wrong?
Yes, unless you are exempt. A check-up is a Band 1 treatment at £27.90.
Is a scale and polish free on the NHS?
It is included in Band 1 if your dentist says it is clinically needed. Purely cosmetic cleaning is private.
Do I pay upfront?
Practices have different policies. Some ask for payment at the start of a course, others at the end. Ask your practice.
Sources
Checked on 14 October 2026:
- NHS website: How much NHS dental treatment costs
- NHS website: Who can get free NHS dental treatment or help with dental costs
- NHS website: Dental services available on the NHS
This guide explains the general rules for staff in England using 2026/27 figures. It is not financial advice. Your employer, payslip or NHS Pensions statement has the final word on your own pay.