What treatments should I expect to be provided under the NHS?

You will be able to have all treatment provided under the NHS that your dentist feels is clinically necessary in order to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. If your dentist says that you need a particular type of treatment, you should not be asked to pay for it privately.

How often should I go to the dentist? 

You should see a dentist regularly for routine check-ups even if you are not experiencing any problems with your mouth or teeth. Attending regularly helps you and your dentist to keep your mouth, teeth and gums in good health and pain free. Your dentist will tell you how often you will need a routine check-up. The clinically recommended maximum intervals are up to 24 months for adults and up to 12 months for children. Within these guidelines, your dentist will recommend a recall interval for you based on his or her assessment of your current dental health. 

NHS Dental Charges

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 need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it. However, it is worth noting that each treatment plan expires within 2 months after the last appointment.

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

Band 1 course of treatment - £26.80       This covers and 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. 

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 if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Band 3 course of treatment - £319.10   This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.

Urgent treatment: £26.80 Your dentist will decide if you need urgent treatment for any pain or to stop your dental health getting worse.

Free NHS Dental Treatment

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

  • aged under 18

  • under 19 and receiving full-time education

  • pregnant or a mother who has had a baby in the previous 12 months.

  • you are named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate, or you are entitled to an NHS tax credit exemption certificate. (You are not automatically entitled because you receive Tax Credits; there are qualifying conditions, please check at www.nhs.uk/healthcosts. If you qualify you will be sent a proof of exemption certificate/card, but if you dont have one you can use the award notice as proof).

  • you are named on a valid HC2 certificate

  • you are included in an award of

    • income support

    • income-related Employment and Support Allowance

    • income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

    • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit

    • Universal Credit (in the last assessment period there were no earnings, or earnings were within the allowed limit, please check at www.nhs.uk/healthcosts).

You will NOT be exempt from paying if you receive Incapacity Benefit, contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance, contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit savings credit, when paid on their own. 

Medical conditions do not exempt patients from payment for dental treatment.

For advice on help with health costs, call 0300 330 1343, or go to the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/healthcosts