| By Chandraketu Tripathi | Updated April 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| NHS dental charges in England are structured in three treatment bands — you pay a fixed charge for each band regardless of how much treatment you receive within it. From April 2024, charges rose significantly and remained at those levels into 2026. Understanding what each band covers, who qualifies for free treatment, and how to actually find an NHS dentist are the three most important things to know. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Key Facts Band 1: £26.80 (examination + scale & polish) | Band 2: £73.50 (fillings, extractions, root canal) | Band 3: £319.10 (crowns, dentures, bridges) | Urgent treatment: £26.80 | Free for: under 18, pregnant, low income | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
NHS Dental Charges England 2026 — Full Breakdown | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment UK 2026? | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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How to Find an NHS Dentist UK 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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NHS vs Private Dental Costs 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Frequently Asked QuestionsHow much does NHS dentistry cost UK 2026? NHS dental treatment in England is charged in three bands: Band 1 (examination, X-rays, scale and polish) £26.80, Band 2 (fillings, extractions, root canal) £73.50, Band 3 (crowns, dentures, bridges) £319.10. These charges cover all treatment in that band per course of treatment, regardless of how many items are needed. NHS dental charges in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are different — and generally lower. Who gets free NHS dental treatment in England? Free NHS dental treatment in England is available to: children under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education), pregnant women and those who have had a baby in the past 12 months (with a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate), NHS low income scheme (HC1/HC2 certificate), people receiving Universal Credit, Income-related ESA, Income Support, Pension Credit, or NHS Hospital dental treatment patients. How do I find an NHS dentist in the UK? Use the NHS website's Find a Dentist tool at nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/find-a-dentist. In practice, many NHS dentists in England are not accepting new patients — try ringing practices directly, registering on waiting lists, or asking your GP for a referral to a community dental service. NHS 111 can also direct you to emergency dental services. Is dental treatment free in Scotland? No — dental treatment in Scotland is not free for most adults, but charges are lower than in England. From April 2023, NHS dental charges were reintroduced in Scotland after a period of free treatment. Check mygov.scot for current Scottish NHS dental charge rates. What is included in NHS Band 2 dental treatment? NHS Band 2 treatment (£73.50 in England 2026) covers all of: fillings, extractions, root canal treatment, and any other treatment not covered by Band 1. If you need multiple fillings or a filling and an extraction in the same course of treatment, you only pay the Band 2 charge once — not per procedure. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Disclaimer: Always verify with GOV.UK, HMRC, Acas, and NHS. Sources: gov.uk, acas.org.uk, theemploymentlawsolicitors.co.uk, moneysavingexpert.com, nhsbsa.nhs.uk, nhs.uk, raisin.com, puremagazine.co.uk. April 2026. |
NHS Dental Charges UK 2026: Bands, Costs & How to Get Free Dental Care
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