NHS dental charges in England: what each band costs and who is treated free

NHS dental treatment in England is not free for most adults, but the price does not depend on the clinic. It is set by the government and split into three charge bands. From 1 April 2026 the bands are: Band 1 — £27.90, Band 2 — £76.60, Band 3 — £332.10. Urgent treatment also costs £27.90. Each figure is the maximum you pay for a full course of treatment in that band, not a charge per procedure.

What does each band cover?

Band 1 at £27.90 covers examination, diagnosis and advice, X-rays, a scale and polish if clinically needed, and planning further care. Band 2 at £76.60 includes everything in Band 1 plus fillings, extractions and root canal work. Band 3 at £332.10 includes everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus more complex work such as crowns, dentures and bridges.

If one course of treatment needs items from different bands, you pay only for the highest band. Returning to the same dentist within two months for the same problem is usually free.

Who gets NHS dental treatment for free?

Treatment is free for anyone under 18, and for under-19s in full-time education. It is also free if you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months (you need a MatEx maternity exemption certificate), or have had a stillbirth in the past 12 months.

Several income-based benefits qualify you too: Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, and Universal Credit where your earnings in the assessment period were below a set threshold. Dependants under 20 are covered as well. A valid HC2 certificate under the NHS Low Income Scheme also gives free treatment.

What if your income is low but you get no benefit?

The NHS Low Income Scheme can help. It may issue an HC3 certificate showing the reduced amount you still have to pay, with the NHS covering the rest. You show the certificate to your dentist before treatment starts.

How to avoid overpaying

Before a course starts, ask for a written treatment plan showing the band and price so you know the total in advance. Cosmetic work such as whitening is not available on the NHS and is charged privately. If you are asked to pay privately for something that falls inside an NHS band, ask why: an NHS patient is entitled to all clinically necessary treatment within the bands.

Always check the current amounts and the exemption list on the official NHSBSA and NHS pages before your visit — charges are reviewed yearly, usually from 1 April.