NHS dental charges and exemptions

You get free dental examinations if you are:

• aged under 25
• aged 60 or over

Any subsequent treatment such as an x-ray as a result of the free examination carries the appropriate charge.

You can get free NHS dental treatment if when the treatment starts you:

• are aged under 18
• are aged 18 and in full time education
• are pregnant or have had a baby within the 12 month before treatment starts
• are an NHS in-patient and the treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist
• are an NHS Hospital Dental Service out-patient (there may be a charge for dentures and bridges)

You are also entitled to free dental treatment if when the treatment starts or when the charge is made:

• you or your partner receive certain benefits including:
  • Universal Credit
  • Pension credit 
• you are on a low income, read low income scheme
• you are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate

You can use the NHS online checker to see if you are entitled to help.

Important information

• if you claim free NHS dental treatment, you may be asked to show evidence that you are entitled
• if you claim an exemption you are not entitled to, you may have to pay a penalty charge

If you need NHS dental treatment, the amount you pay depends on the type of care.

You should ask your dentist how much your individual treatment plan will cost. The dental practice may ask you to pay before beginning your treatment. You will normally pay 1 charge per course of treatment, or care package. Even if treatment takes place over more than 1 appointment.

There is a maximum total charge of £384 for a course of treatment (or multiple courses delivered at the same time).

Your dentist should display a poster about NHS charges in the waiting room.

Important information

• you will usually pay 1 charge per course of treatment
• some care packages exclude laboratory charges, which may be payable separately
• you may not have to pay if you are exempt from NHS dental charges

Urgent dental care

Urgent care package: £37.50

Urgent dental care includes an oral health assessment and treatment to relieve pain or prevent significant worsening of the presenting issue.

Where appropriate, urgent care should provide a long‑term solution and may include permanent treatment, such as restorations, with your consent. You may be referred onwards if further care is needed.

New patient assessment

New patient assessment: £27.21

A new patient assessment includes a full clinical and global health assessment, including soft tissue examination and X‑rays where appropriate.

It also includes preventative care such as:

• oral hygiene and diet advice
• support to reduce risk factors such as smoking, alcohol and sugar intake
• topical fluoride application
• prescription of high strength fluoride toothpaste
• fissure sealants for enamel caries where clinically appropriate

Recall appointments

Recall: £25.00 per visit

Recall examinations must follow NICE guidance and be based on your individual level of risk.

Your dentist must record your recall interval and monitor your oral health to ensure you remain on the most appropriate recall pathway.

Care packages

Care packages group together related treatments and are based on your clinical need. The types of care packages, what they include, and the associated charges are set out below:

Simple restorative care package: £36.03

Includes fillings, temporary crowns, Hall crowns and extractions for up to a total of 4 teeth.

Extensive restorative care package: £68.75

Includes the same treatments as the simple restorative package for between 5 and 8 teeth.

Periodontal care package: £48.53

For patients with gum disease who can engage with treatment. This includes tailored oral hygiene instruction and plaque removal

Denture care package: £86.40

Includes upper and lower dentures.

Laboratory charges are not included and must be paid separately unless you are exempt from NHS dental charges.

Stabilisation care package: £75.00

For patients with extensive tooth decay (7 or more affected teeth).

Includes extractions, preventative care, restorations, and support for gum disease

Anterior root canal care package: £91.18

Root canal treatment for up to two front teeth (teeth 1 to 3)

Posterior root canal care package: £182.72

Root canal treatment for up to two premolar or back teeth.

Laboratory charges are not included and must be paid separately unless you are exempt.

Crown, bridge, inlay, onlay and veneer care package: £140.44

Includes:

• up to 2 crowns
• up to a 3  unit bridge
• a single crown and a single cantilever bridge provided together

Temporary restorations and laboratory charges are not included and must be paid separately unless you are exempt.

Miscellaneous care package: £25.00

For treatments that fall outside other care packages or outside the guarantee period. This may include:

• denture repair, addition or reline
• denture adjustment
• study models
• bite‑raising appliances
• biopsy
• repair or re‑cementing of crowns, bridges or veneers
• removal of sutures
• treatment of infections
• urgent orthodontic issues
• management of bleeding or dry socket

Laboratory charges are not included and must be paid separately unless you are exempt.

Use this form to claim a refund for dental charges if you are entitled to help with healthcare costs. Use the NHS online checker to see if you qualify.

You can request a printed copy of this form via email or by calling the publications order line on 0345 603 1108.