NHS treatments and costs

Learn more about how much you could pay for your NHS dental treatment and what services are covered by the NHS. The NHS provides any clinically necessary treatment needed to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain. For most patients, this will examinations, rudimentary treatments, and preventative care. However, the NHS does also offer fillings, root canal work, extractions, and dental appliances where clinically necessary. The costs associated with these treatments will vary depending on which region you reside, please use our guide below to learn what treatment is available to you as an NHS patient.

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NHS England
NHS Scotland
NHS Wales
NHS Northern Ireland

Band1£26.80

This covers:

Examination
Diagnosis, advice and X-rays
Scale and polish*
Fluoride varnish & fissure sealant
Further treatment planning

*Only available if clinically necessary

Band2£73.50

Everything in band 1 plus additional treatment such as:

Band3£319.10

Everything in band 1 & 2 plus more complex procedures:

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Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment?

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

under 18
under 19 and in full-time education
pregnant or you've had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts
staying in an NHS hospital and the hospital dentist carries out your treatment

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're named on, or entitled to, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
you're named on a valid HC2 certificate
If you're 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'll be asked to show your dentist written proof that you're entitled to help with dental treatment costs. This will vary depending on your circumstances.

NHS Low Income Scheme

The NHS Low Income Scheme provides income-related help to people not exempt from charges but who may be entitled to full or partial help with healthcare costs if they have a low income. Anyone can apply as long as they don't have savings or investments over the capital limit. In England, the capital limit is £16,000 (or £23,250 if you live permanently in a care home).

Help is based on a comparison between your weekly income and assessed requirements at the time the claim is made. Entitlement broadly follows Income Support rules to decide how much, if anything, you have to pay towards your healthcare costs, including dental treatment costs.

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website has more information about the NHS Low Income Scheme, including how to apply.

Providing NHS Dentistry

If you want more information on the dental services provided by the NHS, please visit their handy guide here.

NHS dental care at mydentist

When you visit a mydentist practice as an NHS patient, your clinician will assess and judge what treatments they consider to be appropriate. They will always make sure you are aware of what treatments are provided by the NHS and what treatments you may opt for on a private basis, should you need choose, along with associated costs.

How do I find an NHS dentist?

Here at mydentist, we work with our clinicians to provide you with access to both NHS and private dental care, to ensure you get the most out of your smile. If you’re currently looking for a new NHS dentist, we may be able to help. Use our search function to locate a mydentist practice offering NHS services close to you.

Have you thought about?

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