Last updated: January 2026. This guide covers NHS dental charges in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, including who qualifies for free treatment and how to get help with costs.
Understanding NHS dental charges can be confusing. With different pricing systems across UK nations and various exemptions available, many patients either overpay or miss out on free treatment they're entitled to. This guide provides everything you need to know about NHS dental costs in 2026.
NHS Dental Charges in England (2026)
England uses a three-band system for NHS dental charges. You pay one charge per course of treatment, regardless of how many appointments it takes to complete.
Current NHS Dental Charge Bands
Effective from 1 April 2025:
| Band | Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.40 | Examination, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish (if clinically needed), preventive advice |
| Band 2 | £75.30 | Everything in Band 1, plus fillings, extractions, root canal treatment |
| Band 3 | £326.70 | Everything in Band 1 and 2, plus crowns, dentures, bridges |
| Urgent | £27.40 | Emergency care to relieve pain or address immediate problems |
"NHS dental charges are set at specific costs that cover one course of treatment, no matter how many appointments you need." — NHS
What's Included in Each Band
Band 1 (£27.40) covers:
- Examination and diagnosis
- X-rays
- Scale and polish (if clinically necessary)
- Treatment planning and advice
- Simple management of gum disease
- Moulds of your teeth
- Minor adjustments to dentures or braces
Band 2 (£75.30) covers everything in Band 1, plus:
- Fillings (amalgam or white composite)
- Root canal treatment
- Extractions (one or more teeth)
- Pulpotomy (removing dental pulp)
- Splinting loose teeth after injury
Band 3 (£326.70) covers everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus:
- Crowns
- Dentures (full or partial)
- Bridges
- Orthodontic treatment (braces)
Important Charging Rules
You only pay once per course of treatment. If your dentist finds you need a filling during a Band 1 examination, you pay the difference to upgrade to Band 2—not both charges separately. Multiple appointments within the same treatment course are covered by a single payment.
The highest band applies. If you need treatments from different bands, you only pay for the highest one. For example, if you need an examination (Band 1), two fillings (Band 2), and a crown (Band 3), you pay £326.70 total—not £429.40.
NHS Dental Charges Across the UK
Dental charges vary significantly between UK nations. Scotland and Northern Ireland use a percentage-based system rather than fixed bands.
Comparison by UK Nation
| Nation | System | Typical Costs | Maximum Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| England | 3 bands | £27.40 – £326.70 | £326.70 |
| Wales | 3 bands | £20.00 – £260.00 | £260.00 |
| Scotland | 80% of cost | Varies by treatment | £384.00 |
| Northern Ireland | 80% of cost | Varies by treatment | £384.00 |
Wales
Wales offers the lowest NHS dental charges in the UK:
| Band | Cost |
|---|---|
| Band 1 | £20.00 |
| Band 2 | £60.00 |
| Band 3 | £260.00 |
| Urgent | £30.00 |
Additional benefits in Wales:
- Free dental examinations for those under 25 or over 60
- Around 50% of Welsh residents are exempt from dental charges
"Dental examinations are FREE for those under 25 or over 60 in Wales." — Welsh Government
Coming April 2026: Wales will introduce a new dental contract system where patients pay 50% of their treatment package value, capped at £384 maximum.
Scotland
In Scotland, patients pay 80% of the treatment cost up to a maximum of £384 per course of treatment.
Key differences in Scotland:
- Free dental examinations for everyone
- Free NHS dental treatment for all children and young people under 26
- No fixed bands—cost depends on actual treatment needed
"All children and young people under the age of 26 are entitled to free NHS dental care in Scotland." — NHS Scotland
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland uses the same 80% payment system as Scotland, with a £384 maximum per course of treatment.
Exemptions in Northern Ireland:
- Under 18, or 18 and in full-time education
- Pregnant women or new mothers (within 12 months of birth)
- Certain benefits recipients
- Those with valid HC2 or HC3 certificates
Who Qualifies for Free NHS Dental Treatment
Many people are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. If you qualify, you pay nothing—not even the Band 1 charge for examinations.
Automatic Exemptions (England)
You qualify for free NHS dental treatment if you are:
Age-based exemptions:
- Under 18 years old
- 18 and in full-time education
Pregnancy and maternity:
- Pregnant when treatment starts
- Within 12 months of giving birth (with valid MatEx certificate or baby's birth certificate)
Benefits-based exemptions:
- Receiving Income Support
- Receiving Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance (not contribution-based)
- Receiving Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (not contribution-based)
- Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Universal Credit recipients:
- Take-home pay of £435 or less per assessment period, OR
- Take-home pay of £935 or less if you receive a child element, or have limited capability for work
Other exemptions:
- NHS hospital dental patients
- War pensioners (for treatment related to accepted disability—claim refund after)
Proving Your Exemption
When claiming free treatment, you may need to show:
| Exemption Type | Proof Required |
|---|---|
| Under 18 / in education | ID showing date of birth, student card |
| Pregnant / new mother | Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx) or baby's birth certificate |
| Benefits recipients | Award letter from DWP showing benefit type |
| Universal Credit | Award notice showing earnings for last assessment period |
| HC2/HC3 certificate | Valid certificate with certificate number |
Important: The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) conducts checks on exemption claims. Incorrectly claiming free treatment can result in a penalty charge of up to £100 plus the original treatment cost.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Contribution-based benefits don't qualify automatically. If you receive contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, you must apply through the Low Income Scheme—you don't automatically get free treatment.
Pension Credit Savings Credit alone doesn't qualify. Only Pension Credit Guarantee Credit (or Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit) entitles you to free dental treatment. Savings Credit on its own requires applying through the Low Income Scheme.
Universal Credit doesn't automatically mean free treatment. You must meet the earnings threshold in your last assessment period. Check your Universal Credit statement before claiming exemption.
NHS Low Income Scheme
If you don't automatically qualify for free treatment but have a low income, you may be eligible for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
HC2 Certificate (Full Help)
An HC2 certificate entitles you to free NHS dental treatment plus help with other health costs like prescriptions and sight tests.
You may qualify if:
- Your weekly income is less than or equal to your weekly living allowances
- Your savings are below set limits
HC3 Certificate (Partial Help)
An HC3 certificate provides reduced payment towards dental treatment. Your certificate shows the maximum amount you need to pay—if treatment costs less, you pay the actual charge.
How to Apply
- Complete form HC1 (available online at nhsbsa.nhs.uk or by calling 0300 330 1343)
- Provide details of your income, savings, and household circumstances
- Submit to NHS Business Services Authority
- Receive your certificate within 4 weeks
Certificates are valid for 6 months to 5 years depending on your circumstances. Apply for renewal before your certificate expires to avoid gaps in coverage.
"If you're not automatically entitled to free NHS dental treatment but are on a low income, you may be able to get full or partial help with dental charges." — NHSBSA
Maternity Exemption Certificates (MatEx)
Pregnant women and new mothers receive free NHS dental treatment throughout pregnancy and for 12 months after the birth.
How to Get a MatEx Certificate
- Your midwife, doctor, or health visitor completes the application
- Certificate issued digitally (email) or by post within 10 working days
- Present certificate at dental appointments to claim free treatment
When to apply: As soon as your pregnancy is confirmed. The certificate covers all dental treatment from that point until 12 months after your due date.
Important: Don't claim free treatment before receiving your certificate. Doing so without proof of entitlement can result in penalty charges.
If You Lose Your Baby
Your MatEx certificate remains valid until its expiry date. You're still entitled to free dental treatment during the certificate's validity period.
Urgent and Emergency Dental Treatment
If you have a dental emergency, you should contact NHS 111 for help finding urgent dental care.
What Qualifies as Urgent Dental Treatment
| Urgent | Not Urgent |
|---|---|
| Severe tooth or mouth pain affecting sleep or eating | Mild toothache controlled by painkillers |
| Knocked-out tooth or dental injury | Chipped tooth with no pain |
| Swelling, lump, or patch getting bigger | Routine check-up needed |
| Bleeding after recent extraction | Lost filling with no pain |
| Broken filling, crown, or denture causing pain | Cosmetic concerns |
Urgent Treatment Cost
The NHS urgent dental treatment charge is £27.40 in England—the same as Band 1. This covers treatment necessary to prevent significant deterioration or address severe pain.
How to access urgent dental care:
- Call NHS 111 (available 24/7)
- Explain your symptoms
- NHS 111 refers you to the Dental Triage team
- You'll be offered treatment within 24 hours to 7 days depending on urgency
"NHS 111 can refer you to the Dental Triage team if you need urgent dental care." — NHS
What's Not Available on the NHS
Some treatments are not available through NHS dentistry or only in limited circumstances.
Treatments Generally Not Available
- Teeth whitening — Considered cosmetic
- Veneers for appearance — Unless there's clinical need
- Cosmetic orthodontics — Braces for appearance only (clinical need orthodontics may be available)
- Replacement of lost or stolen dentures/appliances — Charged separately
Limited Availability
Adult orthodontics: Only available if there's a clinical need. Most adult brace treatment is private.
Implants: Rarely available on NHS. Reserved for patients with severe medical conditions like cancer treatment, congenital defects, or significant facial trauma.
Penalties for Incorrect Exemption Claims
Claiming free NHS dental treatment without valid entitlement carries serious consequences.
Penalty Structure
If you incorrectly claim exemption:
| Charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Original treatment cost | £27.40 – £326.70 |
| Penalty charge | Up to £100 |
| Total owed | Up to £426.70 |
If you don't pay within 28 days, an additional 50% surcharge is added.
How Checks Work
- NHSBSA conducts random and targeted checks on exemption claims
- If your entitlement cannot be verified, you receive an enquiry letter
- You have 28 days to respond with proof of eligibility
- If you can't prove entitlement, a Penalty Charge Notice is issued
Criminal prosecution: Knowingly making false claims is fraud and can result in criminal prosecution.
Avoiding Penalties
- Only claim exemption if you're certain you qualify
- Keep documentation to prove your entitlement
- If unsure, pay first and claim a refund using form HC5(D) if you were entitled
How to Claim a Refund
If you paid for NHS dental treatment but were actually entitled to free treatment (or reduced charges with an HC3), you can claim a refund.
Refund Process
- Complete form HC5(D) (NHS dental charges refund claim form)
- Include your receipt from the dental treatment
- Attach proof of your exemption at the time of treatment
- Submit within 3 months of paying
- Refunds processed within 6–8 weeks
Submit to: NHS Business Services Authority Bridge House, 152 Pilgrim Street Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 6SN
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an NHS dental check-up cost?
In England, an NHS dental check-up costs £27.40 (Band 1). This includes examination, X-rays if needed, and a scale and polish if clinically necessary. In Wales, it's £20.00. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, examinations are free.
Are NHS fillings free?
NHS fillings are not free—they're included in Band 2, which costs £75.30 in England. However, if you qualify for free NHS dental treatment (under 18, pregnant, certain benefits), you pay nothing for fillings.
How do I get free dental treatment when pregnant?
Apply for a Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx) through your midwife, doctor, or health visitor. Once issued, show your certificate at dental appointments to receive free treatment throughout pregnancy and for 12 months after birth.
Does Universal Credit mean free dental treatment?
Not automatically. You must have earnings of £435 or less (or £935 or less with child element/limited capability for work) in your last Universal Credit assessment period. Check your award notice before claiming exemption.
What if I can't afford NHS dental treatment?
Apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme using form HC1. If eligible, you'll receive an HC2 certificate (free treatment) or HC3 certificate (reduced costs). Also check if you qualify for any automatic exemptions listed above.
Can I switch from private to NHS treatment?
Yes, but you'll need to find an NHS dentist accepting new patients. Your private dentist may also offer NHS treatment—ask directly. Use the NHS Find a Dentist service to locate practices accepting NHS patients in your area.
How often can I have an NHS dental check-up?
Your dentist will recommend a recall interval based on your oral health, typically every 6–24 months. There's no set limit on NHS check-ups, but your dentist will advise what's clinically appropriate for you.
Find an NHS Dentist Near You
NHS dental treatment offers significant savings compared to private care. A check-up costing £27.40 on the NHS might cost £50–£80 privately. A crown at £326.70 could be £600–£1,200 privately.
The key is finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients and understanding what you're entitled to. Many people qualify for free treatment without realising it—always check the exemption criteria before paying.
Use our search to find NHS dentists accepting new patients in your area and book your appointment today.
