NHS dental charge bands in England, who gets free treatment, and what to ask a practice.
This is general guidance for England. It is not about any one provider, and it is not medical, legal or financial advice. Every statement below comes from the official pages listed under “Official guidance”, checked on 4 October 2026.
What does a dentist cost?
- NHS dental treatment
- Charged in fixed bands set by the government, depending on the treatment. Not every practice is taking new NHS patients.
- Free NHS dental treatment
- Free if you are under 18, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or receive certain benefits.
- Private treatment
- Prices are set by the practice. Ask for a written treatment plan and estimate first.
The CQC register does not say whether a practice offers NHS treatment, so listings here are not marked NHS or private. Ask the practice.
NHS dental charges in England
- Band 1 – £27.90
- Examination, assessment and advice, with X-rays and a basic clean if needed.
- Band 2 – £76.60
- Everything in Band 1, plus fillings and root canal treatment.
- Band 3 – £332.10
- Everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus crowns and similar work.
- Urgent treatment – £27.90
- Some people can get NHS dental treatment free – the NHS page explains who.
- Ask before you book
- The register does not record whether a practice treats NHS patients, private patients or both. Ask this practice which it offers and what it charges.
Official guidance
NHS – How much NHS dental treatment costsNHS: who gets free dental treatment
Rules and charges change, usually each April. Check the official pages before you rely on a figure.
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