If you normally pay for NHS dental treatment, there are three standard charges. The amount you pay will depend on the level of treatment that you need.
NHS dental charges
The three NHS charge bands are as follows:
- Band 1: £16.50. This charge includes an examination, diagnosis and preventive advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, scale and polish and planning for further treatment.
- Band 2: £45.60. This charge includes all the necessary treatment covered by the £16.50 charge, plus additional treatment, such as fillings, root canal treatment or extractions.
- Band 3: £198. This charge includes all the necessary treatment that is covered by the £16.50 and £45.60 charges, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures and bridges.
Dental treatment costs explained
If, within two months of completing a course of treatment, you require further treatment within the same charge band or a lower charge band, e.g. an additional filling, you don't have to pay anything extra.
However, if you need further dental treatment after two months of completing an earlier course of treatment, you will have to pay an additional charge.
If your initial treatment is classed as a separate, urgent treatment, it may not be included in any subsequent course of treatment that you require. For urgent dental treatment (including out-of-hours treatment), you will have to pay a separate charge of £16.50.
You will not have to pay for:
- denture repairs,
- the removal of stitches, or
- if your dentist has to stop blood loss.
There is also no charge if your dentist only has to write out a prescription. However, if you pay for prescriptions, you will have to pay the usual prescription charge when you collect your medicines from the pharmacist.
Personal dental treatment plan
Before carrying out any band two or three dental treatment, your dentist should give you a personal dental treatment plan. You will be asked to read and sign the plan, which provides details of the dental work that your dentist is going to do, and the amount that you will have to pay.
If you have discussed having private treatment with your dentist, the details and costs of this treatment will be listed separately on your treatment plan. Before having dental treatment, talk to your dentist about the benefits of the treatment, and any risks that are involved.
Paying for treatment
Your dentist is entitled to ask for your payment at any stage of your treatment. As payment policies vary between practices, ask your dentist about when you will have to make your payment.
Referral to another dentist
If you're referred to another dentist to complete the treatment, you will still only pay one charge. For NHS dentistry, this will be £16.50, £45.60, or £198. You will pay the full amount to the dentist who refers you.
If you are referred to a private dentist (and you accept this option) you will:
- pay the appropriate NHS band charge to the dentist who referred you, and
- pay a fee for the dental work that is carried out by the private dentist who you are referred to.
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