NHS Dental Charges 2026: Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10
NHS Dental Charges 2026: Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10
Quick answer
From April 2026, NHS dental charges in England and Wales are: Band 1 (check-up, X-rays, scale and polish) £27.90; Band 2 (fillings, extractions, root canals) £76.60; Band 3 (crowns, bridges, dentures) £332.10. Scotland is free for all residents. Northern Ireland uses item-of-service rates with a routine exam costing approximately £7.20.
Key takeaways
- England and Wales: Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10 — all from April 2026.
- These are per-course-of-treatment charges, not per item — one Band 2 covers unlimited fillings in a single course.
- Scotland: all NHS dental treatment is free for all residents regardless of age or income.
- Northern Ireland: item-of-service system, routine exam approximately £7.20.
- Over 13 million people in England qualify for free NHS dental care.
- NHS band charges in England (April 2026): Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10.
- You pay one band charge per course of treatment — not per item or appointment.
- Band 2 covers unlimited fillings, extractions and root canals within one course of care.
- Scotland provides free NHS dental care to all residents regardless of income.
- You qualify for free NHS dental care if you are under 18, pregnant, in qualifying education, or on certain benefits.
- Over-60s in England must pay NHS band charges (free only if on qualifying low-income benefits).
NHS dental charges in England and Wales changed in April 2026, rising by approximately 4% across all bands. Understanding the band system is key to knowing exactly what your NHS dental visit will cost — and whether you might qualify for free treatment.
- Band 1: £27.90 — examination, X-rays, scale and polish
- Band 2: £76.60 — fillings, extractions, root canals
- Band 3: £332.10 — crowns, bridges, dentures
- Scotland: Free for all residents
- Northern Ireland: Item-of-service (~£7.20 for exam)
- Free if: under 18, pregnant, qualifying benefits, HC2 certificate
NHS dental band charges April 2026 — full table
| Band | 2026 charge | 2025 charge | Change | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.90 | £26.80 | +£1.10 (+4.1%) | Examination, X-rays, scale and polish, fluoride varnish, preventive treatment |
| Band 2 | £76.60 | £74.60 | +£2.00 (+2.7%) | All Band 1 treatment plus fillings, tooth extractions, root canal treatment (unlimited within one course) |
| Band 3 | £332.10 | £323.70 | +£8.40 (+2.6%) | All Band 1 and 2 treatment plus crowns, bridges, dentures and veneers (if clinically necessary) |
| Band Urgent (U) | £27.90 | £26.80 | +£1.10 | Emergency pain-relief only — one urgent treatment, not a full course of care |
| Referral to hospital | Free | Free | — | NHS hospital dental treatment is free regardless of the treatment needed |
How the NHS band system works
The NHS band system charges you once per course of treatment, not per individual procedure. A "course of treatment" starts when your dentist begins treating you and ends when all planned treatment is complete. This means:
- If you need three fillings at one appointment, you pay Band 2 once (£76.60) — not three separate filling charges.
- If you need a filling discovered at your check-up, you pay Band 2 (£76.60) — not Band 1 for the check-up plus extra for the filling. Band 2 absorbs Band 1.
- If you need a crown in addition to several fillings, you pay Band 3 (£332.10) — which covers all the fillings and the crown in one charge.
Band upgrading explained
Each band includes all treatments in the band below it:
- Band 1 (£27.90) = examination + X-rays + scale and polish + preventive advice
- Band 2 (£76.60) = everything in Band 1 + any filling, extraction or root canal
- Band 3 (£332.10) = everything in Band 1 and 2 + crowns, bridges, dentures
If treatment starts as Band 1 and your dentist discovers you also need a filling, the charge upgrades to Band 2. You do not pay both Band 1 and Band 2.
What is included in each NHS band?
Band 1 — £27.90
Band 1 covers all of the following when provided during the same course of treatment:
- Dental examination: Full check of all teeth, gums, soft tissues and jaw. Oral cancer screening is included at every NHS exam.
- Dental X-rays: Bitewing and periapical X-rays if clinically indicated. No extra charge on the NHS.
- Scale and polish: Removal of plaque and tartar if your dentist considers it clinically necessary (not provided as a cosmetic service).
- Fluoride varnish: Applied as a preventive measure if appropriate.
- Preventive advice: Oral hygiene guidance, dietary advice.
- Treatment plan: A written plan and cost estimate if further treatment is needed.
Band 2 — £76.60
Band 2 includes everything in Band 1 plus:
- Dental fillings: White (composite) or silver (amalgam) fillings, at the dentist's clinical discretion. Composite fillings are now routinely available on the NHS for all teeth.
- Tooth extractions: Simple extractions of any tooth.
- Root canal treatment: For single-rooted teeth such as front teeth. Multi-rooted back teeth root canals are covered but may be referred to a specialist.
- Any number of the above within a single course of treatment — no cap on quantity.
Band 3 — £332.10
Band 3 includes everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus:
- Crowns: To restore a heavily damaged tooth. Metal, PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) or all-ceramic at the dentist's discretion.
- Bridges: Fixed replacements for missing teeth, supported by adjacent natural teeth.
- Dentures: Partial or full dentures to replace missing teeth.
- Veneers: Only when clinically necessary (extremely rare on the NHS — cosmetic veneers are not funded).
For detailed pricing of crowns, bridges and dentures compared to private rates, see our guides to dental crown costs and dental bridge costs.
NHS dental charges by UK nation
England — April 2026
Band 1: £27.90 | Band 2: £76.60 | Band 3: £332.10
These charges apply to all NHS dental treatment in England from 1 April 2026. They are set by the Department of Health and Social Care and reviewed annually, typically increasing by around 3–5% per year.
Wales — April 2026
Wales uses the same band charge system as England. From April 2026: Band 1 £27.90 | Band 2 £76.60 | Band 3 £332.10. Charges in Wales mirror England and are updated at the same time.
Scotland — Free for all residents
Scotland has provided free NHS dental treatment for all residents regardless of age or income since 2006. Check-ups, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, bridges, dentures — all are free. This includes scale and polish, X-rays and preventive treatments. There is no equivalent of England's band charge system for NHS dental patients in Scotland.
Note: If you live in England and use an NHS dentist during a visit to Scotland (or vice versa), the charges follow your home nation's rules.
Northern Ireland — Item-of-service system
Northern Ireland does not use the England/Wales band system. Instead, patients pay a percentage (currently 80%) of an item-of-service fee, subject to a maximum charge per course of treatment. As a result, patients pay per item rather than per band:
| Treatment | Approximate patient charge (2025/26) |
|---|---|
| Examination (routine) | ~£7.20 |
| X-rays (bitewing, per pair) | ~£3.20 |
| Scale and polish | ~£10.40 |
| Filling (anterior) | ~£13.60 |
| Filling (posterior) | ~£16.00 |
| Extraction (simple) | ~£16.00 |
| Root canal (single-rooted) | ~£40.00 |
| Crown | ~£80.00 |
| Denture (partial, acrylic) | ~£64.00 |
These are approximate figures and may vary. Northern Ireland patient charges are generally lower than England/Wales for complex treatment due to the item-of-service structure and the maximum charge cap per course of treatment.
Who gets free NHS dental treatment?
The following groups receive free NHS dental treatment in England and Wales:
- Children and young people under 18
- Young people aged 18 in full-time education
- Pregnant women and those who have given birth in the past 12 months
- Holders of a valid HC2 certificate (NHS Low Income Scheme — full help)
- Holders of a valid HC3 certificate (partial help — reduced charge)
- People receiving: Universal Credit, Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, income-related ESA, income-based JSA
- NHS complex treatment plan started before age 18 — if treatment continues after 18th birthday
- Patients in hospital — NHS hospital dental treatment is free regardless of financial circumstances
For the full eligibility guide including the HC1 application process, see our free NHS dental care eligibility guide.
NHS Band 2 (£76.60) — is it worth it?
For most patients, Band 2 represents exceptional value. Consider what £76.60 covers at a private practice:
| Treatment | Private cost (typical) | NHS Band 2 covers |
|---|---|---|
| Single white filling | £90–£250 | Yes (unlimited fillings) |
| Root canal (front tooth) | £400–£800 | Yes |
| Simple extraction | £80–£180 | Yes |
| All of the above + check-up | £600–£1,300+ | Yes, all for £76.60 |
The only limitation is finding an NHS dentist willing to take you as a new patient. For more on access issues, see our NHS dental waiting list guide.
NHS Band 3 (£332.10) — crowns and dentures
Band 3 at £332.10 covers crowns, bridges and dentures. This is where the saving over private care is most dramatic:
| Treatment | Private cost (typical) | NHS Band 3 | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single crown | £700–£1,500 | £332.10 (including all other treatment) | £370–£1,170+ |
| Partial denture | £800–£2,500 | £332.10 | £470–£2,170+ |
| Full denture (upper + lower) | £1,500–£4,500 | £332.10 | £1,170–£4,170+ |
| Dental bridge (3-unit) | £1,800–£4,500 | £332.10 | £1,470–£4,170+ |
How much have NHS charges risen over the years?
| Year | Band 1 | Band 2 | Band 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020/21 | £23.80 | £65.20 | £282.80 |
| 2021/22 | £23.80 | £65.20 | £282.80 |
| 2022/23 | £23.80 | £65.20 | £282.80 |
| 2023/24 | £25.80 | £70.70 | £306.80 |
| 2024/25 | £26.80 | £74.60 | £323.70 |
| 2025/26 (current) | £27.90 | £76.60 | £332.10 |
Charges were frozen for three consecutive years (2020–2023) during and following the COVID-19 pandemic before resuming annual increases.
Urgent and emergency NHS dental charges
If you have a dental emergency — severe pain, swelling, a broken tooth — NHS urgent treatment is available. The charge for urgent emergency treatment (Band U) is £27.90, the same as Band 1. Urgent treatment covers:
- Temporary or permanent filling to relieve pain
- Emergency extraction
- Antibiotics or pain medication prescription
- Re-cementing a loose crown temporarily
For urgent NHS dental access, call NHS 111 or use your local NHS urgent dental care service. If you are registered with an NHS dentist, call them first. For full emergency cost information, see our emergency dentist cost guide.
Can I have private treatment at an NHS visit?
Yes. NHS dental practices can offer a "mixed" appointment where some treatment is NHS and some is private. For example:
- Your check-up and fillings are NHS (Band 2 at £76.60)
- You separately pay privately for teeth whitening (£300–£700 extra)
- Or you pay privately for a tooth-coloured (ceramic) crown instead of the NHS PFM crown at a specific tooth location
Your dentist must clearly explain and get your written consent before charging you privately for anything. They cannot charge you privately for a treatment that is available on the NHS without giving you a fair explanation of the difference.
NHS vs private: is the NHS worth it?
For clinically necessary dental work, the NHS offers unbeatable value. Band 2 at £76.60 covers unlimited fillings and extractions in one course of treatment — a single white filling can cost £90–£250 privately. The only real barrier is access: finding an NHS dentist taking new patients in England can take months. For a full comparison, see our guide to NHS vs private dental care.
NHS dental costs explained in full
The NHS dental band system can seem confusing at first, but it is actually straightforward once you understand the key rule: you pay one fixed charge per course of treatment, regardless of how many items of treatment you receive. This guide explains exactly what each band covers, who qualifies for free treatment, and how NHS costs compare across the UK.
- Band 1 — £27.90: Examination, X-rays, scale and polish, preventive treatment
- Band 2 — £76.60: Everything in Band 1 + fillings, extractions, root canals (any number)
- Band 3 — £332.10: Everything in Band 1 and 2 + crowns, bridges, dentures
- Urgent — £27.90: Emergency pain-relief appointment only
- Scotland: Free for all residents
- Northern Ireland: Item-of-service; exam ~£7.20
How the NHS band system works
The NHS band system was introduced in 2006 to replace the old item-of-service system in England and Wales. Instead of charging per filling or per X-ray, it groups treatment into three bands and charges one flat fee per course of treatment.
The key rule: one band per course
A "course of treatment" runs from your first appointment until all planned treatment is finished (or two months pass). Within one course:
- Multiple fillings = one Band 2 charge. Ten fillings needed? You still pay £76.60.
- Check-up + filling = Band 2 only. Band 1 is absorbed by Band 2; you do not pay both.
- Crown + fillings = Band 3 only. Band 3 absorbs Bands 1 and 2.
- New course = new charge. If you return after the course closes (typically 2 months), a new course starts and a new band charge may apply.
What each NHS band covers
Band 1 — £27.90
| Treatment | Included? |
|---|---|
| Dental examination (full check) | ✓ Yes |
| Oral cancer screening | ✓ Yes (at every exam) |
| Dental X-rays (bitewing, periapical) | ✓ Yes, if clinically needed |
| Scale and polish | ✓ Yes, if clinically necessary |
| Fluoride varnish | ✓ Yes, if clinically indicated |
| Preventive advice | ✓ Yes |
| Treatment plan and cost estimate | ✓ Yes |
| Fillings | ✗ No — Band 2 |
| Extractions | ✗ No — Band 2 |
| Crowns or bridges | ✗ No — Band 3 |
Band 2 — £76.60
Band 2 includes everything in Band 1, plus:
| Treatment | Notes |
|---|---|
| Composite (white) fillings | Available for all teeth since 2022; at dentist's discretion |
| Amalgam (silver) fillings | Still used where clinically appropriate |
| Tooth extractions | Simple and some surgical extractions |
| Root canal treatment (anterior teeth) | Front teeth; complex multi-rooted RCTs may be referred |
| Re-cementing a crown | Recementing fallen-out crowns counts as Band 2 |
| Denture repairs | Simple repairs included under Band 2 |
Band 3 — £332.10
Band 3 includes everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus:
| Treatment | Notes |
|---|---|
| Dental crowns | Metal, PFM or all-ceramic at dentist's discretion |
| Dental bridges | Fixed replacement for missing teeth |
| Partial dentures | Acrylic or metal cobalt-chrome frame |
| Full dentures | Upper, lower or both |
| Veneers | Only if clinically necessary (cosmetic veneers excluded) |
| Complex root canals | Multi-rooted teeth; may be referred to hospital |
Who gets free NHS dental treatment?
You pay nothing for NHS dental treatment if any of the following apply at the time your treatment starts:
| Category | Age restriction? | Proof needed? |
|---|---|---|
| Under 18 years old | — | No |
| Under 19 and in full-time qualifying education | — | Yes — education proof |
| Pregnant | — | Yes — MATB1 form |
| Had a baby in the last 12 months | — | Yes — birth certificate |
| Receiving Universal Credit with NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2 certificate) | — | Yes — HC2 certificate |
| Receiving Pension Credit (guarantee credit element) | 60+ | Yes — benefit letter |
| Receiving Income Support | — | Yes — benefit letter |
| Receiving income-based JSA or income-related ESA | — | Yes — benefit letter |
| Named on a valid HC2 certificate (NHS Low Income Scheme) | — | Yes — HC2 form |
| War pensioner (if treatment for war disablement) | — | Yes — pension letter |
| NHS hospital dental department patient | — | No |
Important note about over-60s: Unlike prescriptions, there is no automatic free NHS dental care for people aged 60 or over in England. You must be on a qualifying benefit to receive free dental care as an older adult. This surprises many people who assume the over-60s entitlement for prescriptions extends to dentistry — it does not.
For more detail, see our guide to free NHS dental care eligibility.
NHS dental costs across the UK
| Nation | Exam / check-up | Filling | Crown / bridge | Dentures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | £27.90 (Band 1) | £76.60 (Band 2) | £332.10 (Band 3) | £332.10 (Band 3) |
| Wales | £27.90 (Band 1) | £76.60 (Band 2) | £332.10 (Band 3) | £332.10 (Band 3) |
| Scotland | Free | Free | Free | Free |
| Northern Ireland | ~£7.20 (exam only) | ~£14.50 per filling | ~£123 per crown | ~£123 per denture |
Scotland: All NHS dental treatment is free for all Scottish residents. Northern Ireland: item-of-service rates, subject to annual uprating. Figures are approximate.
NHS vs private dental costs: a direct comparison
| Treatment | NHS cost (England) | Typical private cost | Saving with NHS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental check-up + X-rays | £27.90 | £50–£90 | £22–£62 |
| 1 white filling (back tooth) | £76.60 | £90–£200 | £13–£123 |
| 3 fillings | £76.60 (still Band 2) | £270–£600 | £193–£523 |
| Root canal (front tooth) | £76.60 | £350–£700 | £273–£623 |
| Root canal (molar) | £76.60 | £700–£1,200 | £623–£1,123 |
| Dental crown | £332.10 | £700–£1,500 | £368–£1,168 |
| Full dentures (upper + lower) | £332.10 (one course) | £1,600–£4,000 | £1,268–£3,668 |
Is NHS dental care getting harder to access?
Yes. NHS dentistry in England has faced a significant access crisis since 2020. Key facts:
- An estimated 12 million adults in England were unable to register with an NHS dentist as of 2025.
- In rural areas, some patients report waiting 18–24 months for a new-patient NHS appointment.
- About 40% of dental practices in England are now wholly private or mixed NHS/private, with NHS capacity limited.
- The NHS dental contract is under reform, with new targets for patient contact and prevention introduced in 2024.
For advice on finding an NHS dentist, see our guide to how to find an NHS dentist in the UK. For information about NHS waiting times, see our NHS dental waiting list guide.
What NHS dental care does not cover
NHS dentistry covers clinically necessary treatment. It does not fund:
- Teeth whitening — cosmetic treatment, always private
- Composite or porcelain veneers — almost never funded by the NHS
- Cosmetic composite bonding — not clinically necessary
- Invisalign or adult orthodontics — not funded for adults (NHS orthodontics is for under-18s who meet clinical criteria)
- Dental implants — not routinely funded; NHS alternative is a denture or bridge
- Gold or all-ceramic crowns by patient preference — NHS crowns are the material chosen by the dentist on clinical grounds
For the full picture on NHS vs private dental care, see our guide to NHS vs private dental care.
Private dental charges 2026: NHS vs private side by side
For patients who cannot access NHS care — or who choose to go private — here is how private dental charges in 2026 compare with NHS band charges:
| Treatment | NHS charge (England 2026) | Private charge 2026 | Saving on NHS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Check-up + X-rays | £27.90 (Band 1) | £50–£120 | £22–£92 |
| Scale and polish | £27.90 (Band 1) | £60–£130 (hygienist) | £32–£102 |
| White filling (1 surface) | £76.60 (Band 2) | £90–£200 | Up to £123 |
| Root canal (molar) | £76.60 (Band 2) | £600–£1,200 | Up to £1,123 |
| Tooth extraction | £76.60 (Band 2) | £150–£400 | Up to £323 |
| Dental crown (porcelain) | £332.10 (Band 3) | £700–£1,500 | Up to £1,168 |
| Dentures (full arch) | £332.10 (Band 3) | £700–£2,500 | Up to £2,168 |
| Dental bridge (3-unit) | £332.10 (Band 3) | £1,800–£4,500 | Up to £4,168 |
Private dental charges in 2026 vary significantly by region. Central London practices charge 30–50% more than the UK average, while Northern England, Wales and Scotland (for private care) tend to be 10–20% lower. Always ask for a written itemised quote before committing to any private treatment.
For a complete NHS dental treatment price list and private dental charges comparison, see our how much does a dentist cost guide and private dental care costs UK 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an NHS dentist cost in 2026?
In England and Wales: Band 1 (check-up, X-rays, scale and polish) costs £27.90; Band 2 (fillings, extractions, root canals) costs £76.60; Band 3 (crowns, bridges, dentures) costs £332.10. Scotland is free for all; Northern Ireland uses item-of-service rates.
What is included in NHS Band 2 (£76.60)?
Band 2 (£76.60) includes everything in Band 1 plus any number of fillings, tooth extractions, and root canal treatment within a single course of treatment. You pay £76.60 regardless of whether you need one filling or ten.
Do NHS dental charges cover everything in one visit?
NHS dental charges are per course of treatment, not per visit. One band charge covers all treatment of the same or lower band provided during a continuous course of care, regardless of how many appointments it takes.
Are NHS dental charges going up in 2026?
Yes. NHS dental charges in England and Wales rose from £26.80 (Band 1), £74.60 (Band 2) and £323.70 (Band 3) in April 2025 to £27.90, £76.60 and £332.10 in April 2026 — an increase of approximately 4%.
How much does NHS dental treatment cost in 2026?
In England and Wales: Band 1 (check-up, X-rays, scale and polish) costs £27.90; Band 2 (fillings, extractions, root canals) costs £76.60; Band 3 (crowns, bridges, dentures) costs £332.10. Scotland is free for all. Northern Ireland uses item-of-service rates (routine exam approximately £7.20).
Is NHS dental treatment free for over 60s?
No. Over-60s in England must pay NHS band charges unless they are on qualifying low-income benefits (Universal Credit with NHS Low Income Scheme, Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based JSA or ESA). Age alone does not provide free NHS dental care in England. Scotland provides free dental care for all regardless of age.
How many fillings can I have under one NHS band charge?
Unlimited. One Band 2 charge (£76.60) covers as many fillings as you need within a single course of treatment. If you need 5 fillings at once, you still pay just £76.60, not £76.60 × 5.
What is a "course of treatment" for NHS dental purposes?
A course of treatment begins when your dentist opens your record for a specific episode of care and ends when all planned treatment is complete or a specified time period (usually 2 months) passes. All treatment within one course is charged at the highest applicable band — you do not pay multiple band charges for multiple appointments within the same course.
Does the NHS cover white fillings?
Yes. Composite (white/tooth-coloured) fillings are available on the NHS for all teeth since 2022. Your dentist provides them at their clinical discretion. White fillings on back teeth are now routinely funded by the NHS at Band 2 (£76.60).