🦷 NHS Dental Charges (2026)
NHS dental fees in England are updated annually, usually in April. As we enter 2026, the NHS Bands and charges remain stable, with the standard three-band structure still in place.
This guide includes:
- Updated 2026 NHS dental prices
- Band 1, Band 2 & Band 3 treatment lists
- Emergency dental fees
- Exemption rules
- Private vs NHS comparison
- Official GOV.UK links
💷 NHS Dental Charges 2026 (Updated Fees)
Here are the current NHS dental charges in England for 2026:
| NHS Treatment Band | Price (2026) | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £25.80 | Check-up, X-rays, scale & polish (if needed), diagnosis |
| Band 2 | £70.70 | Fillings, root canals, extractions |
| Band 3 | £306.80 | Crowns, dentures, bridges, lab work |
These fees are fixed by the government and apply across all NHS dental practices in England.
🚨 NHS Emergency Dental Appointment Cost (2026)
If you need urgent treatment:
⭐ Emergency dental treatment fee: £25.80
This covers:
- Severe pain
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Broken tooth
- Lost filling or crown
If additional scheduled treatment is required later, you may pay the corresponding Band price.
📝 What Each NHS Dental Band Covers (2026)
🟦 Band 1 — £25.80
- Dental examination
- X-rays
- Diagnosis
- Advice
- Scale & polish (if clinically necessary)
- Fluoride varnish
- Emergency assessment
🟩 Band 2 — £70.70
Includes everything in Band 1, plus:
- Fillings
- Root canal treatment
- Tooth extractions
- Sealing and repairing teeth
- Periodontal treatment
🟥 Band 3 — £306.80
Includes Band 1 + Band 2, plus:
- Crowns
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Inlays / Onlays
- Orthodontic repairs
- Lab-made items
🔗 Official GOV.UK Dental Charges Link
For the most accurate updates:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/
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🇬🇧 NHS Dental Fees in Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland (2026)
NHS charges differ between UK nations:
Scotland (2026)
- Check-ups: FREE
- Treatments: You pay 80% of the cost, up to a maximum of about £400
Wales (2026)
- Band A: £20
- Band B: £60
- Band C: £260
Northern Ireland (2026)
- Pay 80% of treatment cost
- Maximum contribution: around £384
England is the only nation with the 3-band system.
🧮 Private vs NHS Dental Prices (2026)
| Treatment | NHS Price (Band) | Private Price |
|---|---|---|
| Check-up | £25.80 | £35 – £90 |
| Filling | £70.70 | £80 – £250 |
| Root Canal | £70.70 | £150 – £450 |
| Crown | £306.80 | £500 – £1,200 |
| Dentures | £306.80 | £500 – £1,500 |
Private dentistry is significantly more expensive but often has shorter waiting times.
🆓 Who Gets FREE NHS Dental Treatment? (2026)
Some people do not need to pay NHS dental charges.
✔ Free if you are:
- Under 18
- Under 19 and in full-time education
- Pregnant or had a baby in the last 12 months
- Receiving certain benefits (e.g. UC, JSA, ESA)
- Named on a valid HC2 certificate
Full eligibility info:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/help-with-health-costs/
📅 How Often Should You Have an NHS Check-Up?
The NHS recommends:
- Every 12 months for most adults
- Every 6 months for children
- 3–24 months based on dentist assessment
❓ FAQs — NHS Dental Charges 2026
Are NHS dental charges increasing in 2026?
No changes announced at the start of 2026. Fees remain the same.
Do NHS dentists provide cosmetic treatment?
No — cosmetic work (whitening, veneers) is private only.
Can I mix NHS and private treatment?
Yes, but you must be clear about which part is private.
Is emergency treatment included in Band 1?
Yes — urgent care is charged at £25.80.
📌 Conclusion
NHS dental charges for 2026 remain:
- £25.80 (Band 1)
- £70.70 (Band 2)
- £306.80 (Band 3)
- £25.80 (Emergency treatment)
The NHS continues to provide affordable dental care, although availability varies across the UK. Always check if you qualify for free or reduced-cost treatment.