NHS Fees

Dentistry is one of the few NHS services where you have to pay a contribution towards the cost of your care. The information on this page explains what you may have to pay for your NHS dental treatment.

Band 1 course of treatment – £26.80

This covers an examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a clean if clinically needed, and preventative care such as the application of fluoride varnish.

Band 2 course of treatment – £73.50

This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or removal of teeth but not more complex items covered by Band 3.

Band 3 course of treatment – £319.10

This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and other laboratory work.

Emergency dental treatment – £26.80

This covers emergency care in a primary care NHS dental practice such as pain relief or a temporary filling.

Claiming Free Treatment?

It’s your responsibility to check whether you’re entitled before you declare that you don’t have to pay. If you claim free NHS dental treatment that you’re not entitled to, you could be facing a penalty charge of up to £100 – as well as the original treatment charge. An additional charge of up to £50 may apply if you don’t pay within the required timescale.

You will be asked to provide proof of up to date exemptions

The NHS will cover the cost of your dental treatment if you:

Who’s entitled?

• Under 18 years old*
• Aged 18 and in full-time education
• Pregnant, or have had a baby in the 12 months before your treatment started
• Are included in an award for Income Support
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Universal Credit
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
• NHS Tax Credit Exemption Certificate Card
• Valid HC2 certificate for full help with health costs
• If you’re named on a valid HC3 certificate for partial help, you may be entitled to some help towards the cost of your treatment.

Not all benefits entitle you to free treatment

You will have to pay for your treatment even if you’re included in an award of:

• Contributions-based Jobseeker’s Allowance paid on its own
• Contributions-based Employment and Support Allowance paid on its own
• Pension Credit (Savings Credit) paid on its own

Still Not Sure? 

If you’re not sure that you’re entitled to free NHS dental treatment or you’re waiting to find out, you should complete and sign the dental claim form as a paying patient, pay for your treatment and ask for a receipt. You may be able to claim a refund using a HC5 form.

If you have any questions about the information in this guide, our online knowledge base has the answer: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/AskUs

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