Dental treatments are grouped into 3 bands, and each band has a different cost. If you need a mix of treatments from different bands, you’ll pay for the cost of the highest band of treatment you’re having. If you need a mix of treatments from the same band, you’ll only pay the band charge once.
Band 2 treatment includes all items in Band 1, plus it may include:
Band 3 treatment includes all items in Bands 1 and 2, plus it may include:
You may have urgent treatment at an emergency dental appointment. Urgent treatment can include:
You may need further dental treatment after your urgent appointment, which may have additional costs.
If your dental healthcare professional says scaling is clinically needed, it will be done on the NHS by your dentist. Scaling is usually included in Band 1 (£27.90), but extensive treatment, or treatment for complex gum problems, may be charged as a Band 2 (£76.60) treatment.
If your dentist says scaling is not clinically necessary, you’ll pay for it privately with our dental hygienist or therapist.
White fillings are available on the NHS when clinically necessary. For example, if you need a filling in your front teeth, you may be given a white filling. If the filling is needed in one of your back teeth, a more effective option may be a silver-coloured (amalgam) filling.
Your dentist should explain your options to you. If you’d prefer a white filling, your dentist will be able to advise you about private costs and the risks and benefits.
Your dentist should be able to provide root canal treatment, but if you need more complex treatment, they may refer you to another service. You may be offered the option to get root canal treatment privately as an alternative to getting it on the NHS.
It’s your choice whether you have private treatment or are referred to an NHS specialist service, where available.
Wisdom teeth can be removed on the NHS when clinically necessary. Your dentist may be able to remove them or may refer you to a specialist service.
You may also choose to be referred for private wisdom tooth removal.
You may be offered a metal-coloured crown on a back tooth. You could discuss alternative options which may be available privately with your dentist, as well as the risks, benefits and costs. Crowns may need to be replaced in the future.
Your dentist or orthodontist will decide if you need orthodontic treatment using the standard assessment criteria. If orthodontic treatment is clinically necessary, you can get it on the NHS if under the age of 18.
Your dentist or orthodontist will be able to discuss alternative options if you or your child are not eligible for NHS-funded orthodontic treatment.
If you have NHS dental treatment but need further treatment within two months, you do not have to pay extra if the further treatment is included in the same band or a lower band.
If you need further treatment in a higher band, you’ll have to pay the higher band fee.
You’ll have to pay for any further treatment after 2 months have passed.
For more information on exemptions for free and reduced cost dental treatment please visit nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-can-get-free-nhs-dental-treatment/.
