NHS vs Private Dentist UK 2026: Honest Cost Comparison, Wait Times and Which is Right for You

Last updated: January 2026. This guide compares NHS and private dentistry in the UK, covering costs, wait times, service differences, and which option is right for your situation.

Choosing between NHS and private dental care has become one of the most common decisions facing UK dental patients. With 97% of adults without an existing dentist unable to access NHS care in some areas, understanding both options—and their trade-offs—is essential.

This comprehensive guide provides an honest comparison of NHS and private dentistry, including up-to-date pricing, wait times, and what you actually get for your money.

The Current State of NHS Dentistry

Before comparing options, it's important to understand why this choice has become so difficult for many patients.

The Access Crisis

The NHS dental system is facing unprecedented challenges:

• 13 million adults now have unmet need for NHS dentistry in England (28% of the adult population)
• 9 in 10 dental practices can't accept new NHS adult patients
• 97% of people without an existing dentist who tried to access NHS care were unsuccessful
• 483 fewer NHS dentists provide care in England compared to 2019-20

"Even if targets were met, there would still be 2.6 million fewer treatments per year than before the pandemic." — National Audit Office, 2024

Why Access Has Collapsed

The dental contract system means:

• NHS practices have a fixed number of "units of dental activity" (UDAs) they can provide each year
• Once a practice reaches its contracted limit, it cannot take more NHS patients
• Many dentists find the contract financially unviable and have reduced or stopped NHS work
• The same practice might offer private appointments while having no NHS availability

NHS vs Private: Cost Comparison (2026)

The most significant difference between NHS and private dentistry is cost structure.

NHS Dental Charges (England, April 2025)

Key NHS pricing features:

• One charge per course of treatment—even if you need multiple appointments
• If you need treatments from different bands, you only pay for the highest band
• The same price applies regardless of how many teeth need work

"NHS dental charges in England increased by 2.35% on 1 April 2025." — NHS BSA

NHS Charges in Wales, Scotland & Northern Ireland

NHS dental charging varies significantly across the UK:

Wales bonus: Free NHS dental examinations for under-25s and over-60s.

Scotland bonus: Universal free check-ups—everyone gets free examinations regardless of age or income.

Private Dental Prices (UK Average, 2026)

"Private dental check-ups increased from £48 in 2022 to £55 in 2024, with first appointments now averaging £80." — UrgentCare Dental

Regional Price Variations

Private dental costs vary significantly by location:

Most Expensive:

• Edinburgh: Check-ups average £95, crowns reach £1,400 (highest in UK)
• London: Check-ups average £85, crowns peak at £1,200

Best Value:

• Newcastle: Check-ups £50–£65
• Manchester: Check-ups £55–£70
• Cardiff: Check-ups £50–£70 (roughly 30% below English equivalents)

Real Cost Comparison: Common Scenarios

Let's compare actual costs for typical dental needs:

Scenario 1: Routine Check-up and Cleaning

Scenario 2: Check-up + Two Fillings

Scenario 3: Root Canal + Crown

Wait Times: The Critical Difference

For many patients, the real difference between NHS and private isn't cost—it's availability.

NHS Wait Times

Routine appointments:

• Wait times of months to over a year are common
• 1,000+ practices have waiting lists of a year or longer
• Even registered patients may wait weeks for check-ups

Urgent care:

• NHS guidance states urgent treatment should be available within 24 hours to 7 days
• In practice, NHS 111 does not guarantee same-day treatment
• During busy periods, waits of 24–72 hours are common

"Mystery shopping by Healthwatch found volunteers made up to 15 calls without finding available urgent care." — Healthwatch, 2025

Private Wait Times

Routine appointments:

• Typically offer same-day or next-day appointments
• Broader selection including evenings and weekends
• No waiting lists for new patients

Emergency care:

• Many clinics provide same-day emergency services
• Out-of-hours appointments available evenings, weekends, and bank holidays
• Emergency consultation typically £75–£150

Service Differences: What You Actually Get

Appointment Duration

Private appointments are often double the length of NHS appointments, allowing more time for:

• Thorough examination
• Discussion of treatment options
• Patient questions and concerns
• Preventive advice

Materials Used

Fillings:

• NHS: Typically dark amalgam (silver-coloured metal) for back teeth
• Private: Tooth-coloured composite fillings available for all teeth

NHS dentists provide white composite fillings for front teeth as standard, but back teeth usually receive amalgam unless there's a "clinical need" for white material.

"White fillings are only provided on the NHS when the dentist considers them clinically necessary." — NHS.uk

Crowns:

• NHS: Standard materials appropriate for function
• Private: Choice of premium materials (porcelain, zirconia, ceramic)

Technology and Equipment

NHS practices:

• May have limited technology due to funding constraints
• Digital X-rays becoming more common but not universal
• Choice of materials determined by NHS regulations

Private practices:

• Often invest in latest technology for better patient experience:
  • Digital X-rays and 3D scanners
  • Laser dentistry
  • 3D treatment planning
  • AI-assisted diagnostics
  • Dental microscopes for complex procedures

Treatments Available

Not typically available on NHS:

• Teeth whitening (unless for medically necessary reasons)
• Cosmetic veneers
• Dental implants (dentures/bridges offered instead)
• Invisible braces like Invisalign (traditional braces may be available for children)
• White fillings for back teeth (unless clinically required)
• Cosmetic bonding

Available on NHS:

• Check-ups and examinations
• Fillings (amalgam standard for back teeth)
• Extractions
• Root canal treatment
• Crowns (when clinically necessary)
• Dentures and bridges
• Scale and polish (if clinically necessary)
• Emergency treatment

Can You Mix NHS and Private Treatment?

Yes—mixing NHS and private treatment has been legal since 2006, and a 2023 Court of Appeal ruling confirmed this includes treatment on the same tooth.

How Mixing Works

What's allowed:

• Routine NHS care combined with private cosmetic treatments
• Upgrading to premium materials (e.g., white filling instead of amalgam)
• Same-tooth treatments with private "top-up" fees
• Seeing an NHS dentist for some treatments and private for others

Requirements:

• Your dentist must discuss both NHS and private options
• Separate charges must be clearly documented
• You'll receive documentation showing which treatments are NHS and which are private

Common Mixed-Care Scenarios

"Mixing NHS and private treatment on the same tooth was confirmed as permitted in the 2023 Court of Appeal decision." — British Dental Association

Who Qualifies for Free NHS Dental Treatment?

Before deciding between NHS and private, check if you're eligible for free NHS treatment:

Automatic Exemptions

You get free NHS dental care if you are:

• Under 18 years old
• Under 19 and in full-time education
• Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
• Receiving Income Support, income-based JSA, or income-related ESA
• Receiving Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
• Receiving Universal Credit with monthly earnings of £435 or less (£935 with child element)
• Holding a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs)

NHS Low Income Scheme

If you don't qualify automatically but have a low income:

Key points:

• You don't need to be receiving benefits to qualify
• Capital/savings must be under £6,000
• Apply online at NHSBSA or call 0300 330 1343
• Decision typically within 3–4 weeks

"It is not necessary to be in receipt of any benefits in order to qualify for the NHS Low Income Scheme." — NHS BSA

Private Dental Plans: Are They Worth It?

If you choose private care, dental plans can make costs more manageable.

Types of Private Dental Coverage

1. Dental Payment Plans (e.g., Denplan, Bupa Smile Plan)

• Pay monthly fee to your dentist
• Treatments covered directly under the plan
• Tied to a specific practice

2. Dental Insurance

• Claim money back for treatments
• Can use any dentist
• May have waiting periods and exclusions

Popular Plan Costs (2025)

When Plans Make Sense

Worth considering if you:

• Need regular dental care (fillings, crowns)
• Value budget certainty over variable costs
• Want preventive care included
• Have a family with ongoing dental needs

May not be worth it if you:

• Have excellent oral health with minimal treatment needs
• Can access NHS dentistry
• Prefer to self-insure by saving into a separate account

"As dental expenses continue to rise across the UK, dental cover becomes increasingly valuable for those with regular or complex dental needs." — GoingPrivate UK

Making the Decision: NHS or Private?

Choose NHS If:

• Cost is the primary concern—NHS is significantly cheaper for all treatments
• You can find an accepting practice—the challenge is availability, not quality
• You need complex treatment—a single Band 3 fee covers crown + dentures + bridges
• You qualify for free treatment—pregnancy, low income, age exemptions
• You're happy with standard materials—amalgam fillings, basic crowns work well

Choose Private If:

• You need treatment now—no waiting weeks or months
• You can't find an NHS dentist—97% of new patients can't access NHS care
• You want extended appointments—20–30 minutes vs 10–15 minutes
• You prefer cosmetic options—white fillings, premium crowns, whitening
• You want flexibility—evening/weekend appointments, technology choices
• You value preventive care—hygiene appointments, comprehensive examinations

The Hybrid Approach

Many patients find the best solution is combining both:

1. Try to find an NHS dentist for routine care and complex treatment
2. Use private for urgent needs when NHS isn't available
3. Go private for cosmetics while keeping NHS for essential work
4. Have a private backup for emergencies

Emergency Care: NHS vs Private

When you have urgent dental problems, access becomes critical.

NHS Emergency Options

• Call NHS 111 (24/7)—they can locate urgent dental services
• Cost: £27.40 for emergency examination and treatment to relieve pain
• Availability: NHS 111 does not guarantee same-day treatment
• Wait times: 24–72 hours during busy periods

Private Emergency Options

• Same-day appointments typically available
• Cost: £75–£150 for emergency consultation
• Out-of-hours: Evenings, weekends, bank holidays available
• Comprehensive treatment: Can often complete definitive treatment, not just temporary relief

"People in deprived areas are now 67% more likely to undergo urgent dental treatment than those in the most affluent areas—up from 40% in 2019." — Healthwatch, 2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Is private dentistry better quality than NHS?

Not necessarily. NHS dentists are the same qualified professionals who may also work privately. The main differences are appointment time, material choices, and available treatments—not clinical competence. NHS treatment covers everything clinically necessary; private adds convenience, aesthetics, and choice.

Can I switch from NHS to private with the same dentist?

Yes, many practices offer both NHS and private treatment. You can choose private treatment at any time, and your dentist should explain both options. You can also mix NHS and private treatments within the same course of care.

Why do dentists prefer private patients?

The NHS dental contract pays dentists per "unit of dental activity" rather than per patient or per treatment. Many dentists find the rates don't cover their costs, especially for complex treatments. Private practice allows them to spend more time with patients and receive payment that reflects the work involved.

How much could I save with NHS treatment?

For routine care, NHS saves £30–£90 per check-up. For major work, savings can be substantial: a crown costs £326.70 on NHS vs £500–£1,200 privately. A root canal plus crown might cost £326.70 total on NHS vs £900–£2,400 privately.

What if I need urgent care but can't afford private?

Call NHS 111 for emergency dental services. If you're on a low income, apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2/HC3 certificate). Dental schools in London also offer free treatment for some patients.

Can I be registered with both NHS and private dentists?

Yes. You're not "registered" with NHS dentists in the same way as GPs—the relationship only lasts for each course of treatment. You can see different dentists for different needs, including both NHS and private practices.

Will the NHS dental situation improve?

The government has committed to 700,000 extra urgent appointments from April 2025 and contract reforms in April 2026. However, the British Dental Association estimates 13 million people have unmet dental needs, so significant challenges remain. For the foreseeable future, NHS access will likely stay difficult in many areas.

Find the Right Dentist for You

Whether you choose NHS, private, or a combination of both, the most important thing is maintaining your dental health. Use our search to find dentists in your area—we show both NHS and private availability to help you make an informed choice.

The NHS remains excellent value when accessible, but knowing your private options ensures you're never left without care when you need it most.