NHS Dental Charges
The charge you pay depends on the treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. You will only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it. From the 1st April 2024 the charges are as follows:
Band 1 Course of Treatment £27.40
This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. x-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant. If you require urgent care, you will also pay a Band 1 charge.
Band 2 Course of Treatment £75.30
This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or extractions.
Band 3 Course of Treatment £326.70
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.
Free NHS Dental Treatment and Help with Costs
You can get free NHS dental appointments and treatment if:
you're aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
you're pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
you've had a stillbirth in the past 12 months
you're getting treatment in an NHS hospital from a hospital dentist (but you may still need to pay for dentures or bridges)
you receive War Pension Scheme payments, or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and the treatment is for your accepted disability
You can also get free NHS dental treatment if you or your partner receive certain benefits including:
Income Support
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit with Savings Credit
Universal Credit – but only if your income is below a certain amount
Evidence of Exemption from Payment
You will be asked to show your dentist written proof that you do not have to pay for all or part of your NHS treatment. You will also be asked to sign a form to confirm that you do not have to pay. If your name is on a valid HC3 certificate, you may not have to pay for all of your treatment. Checks are made on free and reduced cost treatment claims. If you say you have a right to free treatment when you do not, you may incur a penalty charge.