All treatment that is clinically necessary to protect and maintain good oral health is available on the NHS. This means the NHS provides any treatment that you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain.

Some treatments, mainly cosmetic, are not available under the NHS, and you may wish to have these carried out privately.

If you normally pay for NHS dental treatment, the fees will depend on what clinical treatment you need. There are three NHS charge bands:

Band 1 course of treatment - £23.80:

This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if clinically needed, and preventive care such as application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealants if appropriate. If you require urgent care, even if your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one Band 1 charge.

Band 2 course of treatment - £65.20:

 

This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Band 3 course of treatment - £282.80:

 

This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges.

 

 

Some people do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment – see Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England?