NHS Fee Guide

NHS dental fees

If you normally pay for NHS dental treatment, there are three standard charges. The amount you pay will depend on the level of treatment that you need.

The three NHS charge bands are as follows:

• Band 1: £16.50. This charge includes an examination, diagnosis and preventive advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, scale and polish and planning for further treatment.
• Band 2: £45.60. This charge includes all the necessary treatment covered by the £16.50 charge, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment or extractions.
• Band 3: £198. This charge includes all the necessary treatment that is covered by the £16.50 and £45.60 charges, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures and bridges.

Exemption from NHS dental fees

You can get free NHS dental treatment if you are:

• under 18
• 18 and in full-time education
• pregnant, or have had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts,
• an NHS inpatient and the treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist, or
• an NHS Hospital Dental Service outpatient. There may be a charge for dentures and bridges

You are also entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you or your partner (including civil partners), receive either:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Pension Credit Guarantee Credit; or
• you are named on, or entitled to (use your award notice as evidence), an NHS tax credit exemption certificate, or 
• you are named on a valid HC2 certificate (full help with health costs) certificate.

Find out more about the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS).

Partial help
If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate (partial help), you might get some help towards the cost of your NHS dental treatment. The certificate tells you how much you will have to pay.