Dentist

NHS dentists provide all the necessary treatment that you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums in a healthy condition.

To get NHS dental treatment, just contact a practice providing NHS dentistry and ask for an NHS appointment.

You can find a dentist and those currently accepting NHS patients by visiting the NHS England website.

Depending on what you need to have done, you should 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. You will not be charged for individual items within the course of treatment.

NHS dental charges from 1 April 2022

There are four NHS charge bands:  

  • Emergency dental treatment – £23.80 This covers emergency care in a primary care NHS dental practice such as pain relief or a temporary filling.
  • Band 1 course of treatment – £23.80 This covers an examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if clinically needed, and preventative care such as the application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant if appropriate.
  • 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 removal of teeth but not more complex items covered by Band 3.
  • Band 3 course of treatment – £282.80 This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other laboratory work.

NHS dental treatment is free for:

  • Children and young adults under 18
  • Pregnant women
  • People receiving certain benefits
  • Some students with a HC2 certificate.

If you have a low income, you may be able to get help with NHS costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

To find your local dentist, visit the NHS.UK website.

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