NHS Dental Charges 2026: Band 1, Band 2 & Band 3 Fees
Complete, verified statutory guide to NHS dental costs in England, Scotland, and Wales. Learn what each dental band includes, who qualifies for free dental care, and how NHS charges compare to private dentistry.
Band 1 Treatment
Clinical examination, case diagnosis, x-rays, oral cancer check, and simple scaling if clinically required.
- Full intraoral visual examination
- Bitewing and periapical dental x-rays
- Urgent emergency dental pain relief
Band 2 Treatment
Includes all Band 1 services plus active clinical fillings, root canal treatment, and tooth extractions.
- White fillings (front) / Amalgam (back molars)
- Root canal therapy (endodontics)
- Non-surgical & surgical tooth extractions
Band 3 Treatment
Includes all Band 1 and 2 procedures plus appliances manufactured by external dental laboratories.
- Dental crowns (metal, porcelain-bonded)
- Dentures (acrylic full or partial dentures)
- Dental bridges and orthodontic retainers
Who Gets 100% Free NHS Dental Treatment in the UK?
You do not have to pay for NHS dental care if, when the treatment starts, you meet any of the following statutory criteria:
Or under 19 and receiving qualifying full-time education.
Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months with a valid certificate.
Named on a valid NHS HC2 certificate for full help with health costs.
Meeting qualifying net earnings thresholds (£435 or £935 with children).
Receiving Income Support, income-based JSA, or income-related ESA.
Named on a Pension Credit Guarantee Credit award letter.
Can't Find an NHS Dentist? What Are Your Options?
With over 90% of dental clinics in England closed to new adult NHS patients, millions of patients are forced to seek private care. While private dentistry has higher upfront fees, it offers several critical advantages:
Private clinics can usually see you within 24 to 48 hours, compared to 2 to 3-year waiting lists for NHS registration.
Most private clinics offer zero-interest monthly finance plans over 12–24 months, making implants, root canals, and crowns manageable.
NHS Dental Charges Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about course-of-treatment rules, exemptions, and band charges.
Statutory NHS dental fees in England are: Band 1 (£26.80) for examinations, diagnosis, x-rays, and simple scale; Band 2 (£73.50) covers fillings, root canal therapy, and tooth extractions; Band 3 (£319.10) covers crowns, bridges, and dentures. Emergency triage treatment is charged at the Band 1 rate (£26.80).