NHS Patients

NHS dental charges from 1 April 2019:

The charge you pay depends on the treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. You will only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you visit your dentist more than once to finish it.

If you are not exempt from NHS charges, you should pay one of the following charges for each course of treatment you receive:

Band 1 course of treatment: £22.70.
This covers an examination, diagnosis (eg x-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed, and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant. 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: £62.10
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: £269.30
This covers everything listed in Band 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

Exceptions:

You do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment if, when your treatment starts, you are:

• under 18 years of age
• under 19 years of age and in full-time education
• pregnant or you have had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts
• staying in an NHS hospital and the hospital dentist carries out your treatment an NHS Hospital Dental Service outpatient (although you may have to pay for your dentures or bridges)

You can also get free NHS dental treatment if, when the treatment starts or when you’re asked to pay:

• you’re included in an award of Income Support, Income-Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income-Related Employment and Support
• Allowance or Pension Credit guarantee credit
• you are named on, or entitled to, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate you are named on a valid HC2 certificate
• If you are named on a valid HC3 certificate, you may not have to pay for all your NHS dental treatment. HC2 and HC3
• certificates are issued under the NHS Low Income Scheme – see below.

You will not be exempt from paying for NHS dental treatment because you receive one of the benefits below when paid on their own:

• Incapacity Benefit
• contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
• Disability Living Allowance
• Council Tax Benefit
• Housing Benefit
• Pension Credit savings credit
• Proof of your entitlement:

You will be asked to show your dentist written proof that you are entitled to help with dental treatment costs. This will vary depending on your circumstances.

For information on private patients click here.