Guides › Health and Private Care › NHS Dental Charges: Band 1, 2 and 3 Explained
NHS Dental Charges: Band 1, 2 and 3 Explained
NHS dental treatment in England is charged in bands. Band 1 (£27.90) covers an examination, X-rays and a scale and polish if needed. Band 2 (£76.60) adds fillings, root canal work and extractions. Band 3 (£332.10) adds crowns, dentures and bridges. Urgent treatment is £27.90. You pay one charge for a course of treatment, at the highest band needed.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
The Charges
Band 1: £27.90
Examination, diagnosis and advice, X-rays if needed, fluoride, simple gum treatment such as scaling, and minor adjustments to dentures or braces. source
Band 2: £76.60
Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment, extractions and other oral surgery, sealants and more extensive gum treatment. source
Band 3: £332.10
Everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, inlays, dentures, bridges, braces and other custom-made appliances. source
Urgent and Free Items
Urgent treatment is £27.90. If you need treatment from different bands you pay the highest one. Extra treatment within 2 months in the same or a lower band costs nothing extra. Stitch removal, stopping bleeding and denture repairs are free. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 2 monthsFurther treatment at no extra chargeIf same or lower band
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Ask whether the treatment is NHS or private.
Step 2 of 5
Ask which band your course falls into.
Step 3 of 5
Get a written treatment plan.
Step 4 of 5
Check whether you qualify for free treatment.
Step 5 of 5
Complain to the practice if charged wrongly.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
The Dental Practice
Ask for a treatment plan showing NHS and private costs.
Healthwatch
Your local Healthwatch can help if you have trouble getting NHS care.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Private treatment is always paid in full, so check which you are getting before treatment starts.
These rules are for England. Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and help with other costs differs there.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/understanding-nhs-dental-charges Checked 16 October 2026