How much does NHS dental treatment cost in 2025?▾
NHS dental charges in England from April 2025 are: Band 1 £26.80 (check-up, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish), Band 2 £73.50 (everything in Band 1 plus fillings, extractions, root canal), Band 3 £319.10 (everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges). Urgent treatment costs £26.80. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different charges.
What is included in a Band 1 NHS dental check-up?▾
Band 1 includes: examination, diagnosis, advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if clinically needed, application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant, X-rays, and a treatment plan if further work is needed. It is the most common NHS dental charge.
Who gets free NHS dental treatment?▾
Free NHS dental treatment is available if you are: under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education), pregnant or had a baby in the previous 12 months, receiving Universal Credit/Income Support/income-based JSA/ESA/Pension Credit, an NHS inpatient, or hold an HC2 certificate (full help). HC3 certificate holders get partial help.
What is the difference between Band 2 and Band 3?▾
Band 2 (£73.50) covers everything in Band 1 plus treatments that involve direct work on teeth: fillings, extractions, and root canal treatment. Band 3 (£319.10) covers everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus items that are made in a laboratory: crowns, dentures (full or partial), and bridges.
Do I pay for each treatment separately?▾
No. NHS dental charges are banded. You pay one charge per course of treatment, regardless of how many items are included. If you need a check-up, two fillings and a crown in the same course of treatment, you pay the single Band 3 charge of £319.10 (the highest band), not separate charges for each item.
How do I get an NHS dentist?▾
Finding an NHS dentist can be challenging. Options include: searching the NHS Find a Dentist service online, calling your local dental practices to ask if they are accepting NHS patients, contacting NHS 111 for urgent dental help, or calling your local Integrated Care Board (ICB) who can help you find a practice.
What is the HC2 certificate for free dental treatment?▾
The HC2 certificate provides full help with NHS dental charges, prescriptions, sight tests, and travel costs to hospital. You apply through the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC1 form). Eligibility is based on your income and savings. Processing takes about 4-6 weeks. HC3 provides partial help towards costs.
Can I get a refund on NHS dental charges?▾
Yes, if you paid when you were entitled to free treatment. Complete an HC5(D) refund claim form within 3 months of paying. You will need your receipt (FP64 form) from the dentist. Refunds are also possible if you were overcharged or charged for treatment that should have been part of an existing course of treatment.
Is emergency dental treatment free on the NHS?▾
Emergency dental treatment is not free unless you qualify for an exemption. Urgent NHS dental treatment costs £26.80 (the same as Band 1). This covers emergency care to relieve pain, a temporary filling, or treatment of an infected tooth. Call NHS 111 for urgent dental help outside normal hours.
What happens if I cannot afford NHS dental treatment?▾
If you are on a low income, apply for the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC1 form) for free or reduced-cost treatment. Some dental practices offer payment plans for Band 3 work. Dental charities like Dentaid provide free treatment clinics. University dental hospitals offer reduced-cost treatment by supervised students.