Understanding Dental Costs in the UK: The Complete Guide

Dental costs in the UK depend on whether you're treated under the NHS or privately, where you live, the complexity of your treatment, and the materials used. With many patients finding it increasingly difficult to access NHS dental care, understanding private costs, financing options and what constitutes fair pricing has never been more important.

This guide breaks down every major dental treatment cost, explains how NHS charges work, compares NHS and private pricing, and shows you how to make dental care more affordable.

NHS dental charges explained

NHS dental treatment in England is charged across three standardised bands. The price is the same regardless of the number of procedures within a band:

Important things to know about NHS charges

• One band charge per course of treatment — if you need a check-up (Band 1) and a filling (Band 2) in the same course, you only pay the Band 2 charge, not both
• Emergency treatment — £26.80 for urgent care, which may include temporary fillings, draining an abscess or pain relief
• Free NHS dental care is available for: pregnant women and new mothers (up to 12 months after birth), under-18s, under-19s in full-time education, and those receiving certain benefits (Income Support, Universal Credit with no income, etc.)
• NHS Low Income Scheme (HC2/HC3) — provides full or partial help with dental charges for people on low incomes

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Charges differ across the UK nations:

• Scotland — Band charges: £6.00 (Band 1), £15.36 (Band 2), £55.56 (Band 3). Free dental care for under-26s
• Wales — Same three-band structure as England but lower fees. Free dental care for under-25s
• Northern Ireland — Different fee structure. Patients pay 80% of treatment cost up to a maximum per item. Free for under-18s and those on qualifying benefits

The NHS access crisis

Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients has become one of the biggest challenges in UK dental care. Key facts:

• Over 13 million adults in England have unmet dental needs
• Many areas have no NHS dentist accepting new adult patients
• Average waiting times for NHS registration vary from weeks to months depending on the area
• Some patients travel significant distances to find an available NHS practice

If you cannot find an NHS dentist, contact NHS England's Customer Contact Centre (0300 311 2233) or use the NHS Find a Dentist tool.

Private dental treatment costs

Private dentistry operates outside the NHS pricing structure. Each clinic sets its own fees based on the complexity of the procedure, materials, the dentist's experience and clinic overheads. Here is a comprehensive breakdown of common treatments:

Routine care

Fillings and restorations

Tooth extraction and oral surgery

Root canal treatment

Cosmetic dentistry

For a detailed breakdown, see our composite bonding cost guide.

Orthodontics (teeth straightening)

Dental implants

For a comprehensive breakdown, see our dental implant cost guide.

Children's dentistry

NHS vs private: what's the real difference?

Beyond pricing, there are important distinctions:

The key distinction is that NHS dentistry provides clinically necessary treatment to an adequate standard, while private dentistry allows for premium materials, longer appointments and cosmetic options. An NHS filling does the job; a private filling might use the same materials but in a longer appointment with more time for aesthetics.

For a full comparison, read our guide to NHS vs private dental care.

How to pay for private dental treatment

Payment plans and dental finance

Most UK dental practices offer some form of finance:

• 0% interest finance — typically available over 6–12 months, sometimes up to 24 months. No extra cost beyond the treatment price
• Low-interest extended plans — 24–60 month plans at 8–15% APR. Available through providers like Chrysalis Finance, Tabeo or Medenta
• Interest-free credit — some clinics absorb the finance costs as a patient benefit. Always check the total payable amount

Example: A £3,500 Invisalign treatment on 0% finance over 12 months = £291/month. On a 24-month plan at 9.9% APR, you'd pay approximately £162/month (£3,884 total).

Dental insurance

Private dental insurance covers some or all of the cost of dental treatment depending on your plan:

Important limitations:

• Most plans have annual claim limits (£200–£1,000)
• Pre-existing conditions are often excluded
• Cosmetic treatments are rarely covered
• Waiting periods of 3–6 months before claims can be made
• Implants and orthodontics are often excluded or subject to high excesses

Dental insurance works best for covering routine care (check-ups, hygienist, occasional fillings). For major treatments, a payment plan directly with the clinic is usually more cost-effective.

Dental maintenance plans

These are monthly subscription plans offered by individual clinics, usually covering:

• 2 check-ups per year
• 2 hygienist appointments per year
• X-rays as needed
• 10–20% discount on further treatment
• Emergency cover

Typical cost: £15–£35 per month. The best-known provider is Denplan, which partners with thousands of UK practices. Practice Plan and DPAS are alternatives.

These plans make budgeting predictable and often work out cheaper than paying per visit, especially if you regularly see the hygienist.

Health cash plans

Companies like SimplyHealth, Medicash and Health Shield offer cash plans where you pay a monthly premium and claim back a set amount per dental visit:

• Premiums: £5–£25/month
• Dental claim allowance: £75–£300/year
• Can also cover optical, physio, and other health costs
• No medical underwriting (anyone can join)

Cash plans are not insurance — they pay fixed amounts regardless of your actual bill. They're useful for subsidising routine care but won't cover major procedures.

How to find affordable dental care

Compare quotes

Get quotes from 2–3 clinics for any significant treatment. Prices can vary by 30–50% for the same procedure in the same area. When comparing:

• Ensure the quotes include exactly the same treatment
• Check what's included (follow-up appointments, materials, warranties)
• Ask about the dentist's experience with the specific procedure
• Don't automatically choose the cheapest — skill and materials matter

Consider location

Central London dental practices charge 20–40% more than clinics in outer London or regional cities. If you're flexible on location, travelling to a slightly less central clinic can save hundreds on major treatments without any reduction in quality.

Dental schools and teaching hospitals

University dental hospitals offer treatment at significantly reduced rates, supervised by qualified dentists:

• King's College London Dental Institute
• Eastman Dental Hospital (UCLH)
• Birmingham Dental Hospital
• Manchester Dental Hospital

Treatment at teaching hospitals is thorough (students are closely supervised and take their time) but appointments are longer and availability can be limited.

Dental charities

If you're in financial hardship:

• Dentaid — provides emergency dental care for people who cannot access NHS treatment
• Community dental services — contact your local NHS trust for community dental clinics that accept patients who struggle to access mainstream dental care
• Oral Health Foundation helpline — 01788 546 365 for advice on accessing affordable care

Negotiate and ask questions

Private dental fees are not fixed by regulation. It's perfectly acceptable to:

• Ask if there's a discount for paying upfront
• Request a detailed cost breakdown
• Ask about alternative (less expensive) materials that still deliver good results
• Discuss phasing treatment over multiple visits to spread the cost

What's fair pricing?

It's hard to know if a dental quote is reasonable. As a general rule:

• Significantly below average — may indicate less experienced clinicians, cheaper materials, or costs hidden elsewhere. Ask what's included
• Within the ranges in this guide — likely fair market pricing
• Significantly above average — may reflect a premium location (Harley Street), highly specialised clinician, or premium materials. Ask what justifies the premium

The most important factor is value, not price. A more experienced dentist using better materials may charge more upfront but deliver a result that lasts longer, ultimately costing less over time.

Frequently asked questions

Why is private dental care so expensive?

Private dental fees reflect the actual cost of delivering care: clinical staff, premises, equipment, materials, sterilisation, insurance, continuing education and laboratory fees. NHS dentists receive government funding to subsidise their fees, which is why NHS charges are lower. Many dentists say NHS contract rates don't cover their costs for complex procedures, which is one reason some are reducing their NHS commitments.

Is dental insurance worth it?

For routine care (check-ups and hygienist visits), a dental maintenance plan or cash plan often provides better value than insurance. For the chance of needing major work (crowns, root canals), insurance can help — but check the annual limits and exclusions carefully. For very expensive treatments like implants or orthodontics, clinic finance plans are usually the most practical option.

How can I find an NHS dentist accepting new patients?

Use the NHS Find a Dentist tool, call practices directly, or contact NHS England on 0300 311 2233. If you cannot find a practice, your area's Integrated Care Board (ICB) has a duty to help you access NHS dental care. Be persistent — availability changes frequently.

Do children get free dental care?

Under the NHS, all under-18s (and under-19s in full-time education) receive free dental care. This includes check-ups, fillings, extractions and orthodontic treatment if clinically necessary. Some private clinics also offer reduced rates for children.

Can I switch between NHS and private treatment?

Yes, but with limitations. Your dentist must make it clear which treatments are NHS and which are private before starting. You cannot be charged privately for treatment that's available on the NHS within the same course of treatment. However, you can choose to have a private crown (better material) after an NHS root canal, for example — this is called "mixed" treatment.

Are there any hidden costs I should watch for?

Ask upfront about: consultation fees, X-ray charges, whether temporary restorations are included, follow-up appointment costs, and whether retainers are included in orthodontic quotes. A transparent clinic will provide a full written treatment plan with every cost itemised before you agree to proceed.

This guide is for informational purposes. Prices are indicative averages based on UK market data as of February 2026 and will vary by location and clinic. NHS charge bands are subject to annual review by the Department of Health. Always confirm costs directly with your chosen provider.