NHS Dental Treatment
How much will I pay for NHS dental treatment?
If you normally pay for NHS dental treatment, the amount you spend will depend on what treatment you need.
There are three NHS charge bands. From April 2020 to March 2021, the costs are as follows:
Band 1: £22.70
Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish, and planning for further treatment. This is also the cost for any one-off urgent dental care.
Band 2: £62.10
Covers all treatment included in Band 1, plus additional treatment including as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth (extractions).
Band 3: £269.30
Covers all treatment included in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures including crowns, dentures and bridges.
If you normally pay for NHS dental treatment, the amount you spend will depend on what treatment you need.
There are three NHS charge bands. From April 2020 to March 2021, the costs are as follows:
Band 1: £22.70
Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish, and planning for further treatment. This is also the cost for any one-off urgent dental care.
Band 2: £62.10
Covers all treatment included in Band 1, plus additional treatment including as fillings, root canal treatment and removing teeth (extractions).
Band 3: £269.30
Covers all treatment included in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures including crowns, dentures and bridges.
When you don't have to pay or there is no dental charge:
For denture repairs
To have stitches removed
If your dentist has to stop blood loss
If your dentist only has to write out a prescription – however, if you pay for prescriptions, you will have to pay the usual prescription charge when you collect your medicine(s)
For denture repairs
To have stitches removed
If your dentist has to stop blood loss
If your dentist only has to write out a prescription – however, if you pay for prescriptions, you will have to pay the usual prescription charge when you collect your medicine(s)
Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment in England?
You don't have to pay for NHS dental treatment if you are:
Under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
Pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
Being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges)
Receiving low income benefits, or you're under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving low income benefits
In receipt of certain certificates
You don't have to pay for NHS dental treatment if you are:
Under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
Pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
Being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges)
Receiving low income benefits, or you're under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving low income benefits
In receipt of certain certificates
Low income benefits:
You're entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you or your spouse (including civil partner) receive:
Income Support
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Universal credit (in certain circumstances)
You're entitled to free NHS dental treatment if you or your spouse (including civil partner) receive:
Income Support
Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
Universal credit (in certain circumstances)
Certificates for help with health costs:
You can receive free NHS dental treatment if you're entitled to or named on:
A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
A valid HC2 certificate – which is available for people on a low income
People named on an HC3 certificate may also get partial help with health costs. You'll be asked to show your dentist written proof that you don't have to pay for all or part of your NHS treatment. You will also be asked to sign a form to confirm that you don't have to pay.
You can receive free NHS dental treatment if you're entitled to or named on:
A valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
A valid HC2 certificate – which is available for people on a low income
People named on an HC3 certificate may also get partial help with health costs. You'll be asked to show your dentist written proof that you don't have to pay for all or part of your NHS treatment. You will also be asked to sign a form to confirm that you don't have to pay.
Universal credit eligibility criteria:
You qualify if, on the date you claim help with health costs:
a) You receive Universal Credit and either had no earnings or had net earnings of £435 or less in your last Universal Credit assessment period
or
b) You receive Universal Credit, which includes an element for a child, or you (or your partner) had limited capability for work (LCW) or limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA), and you either had no earnings or net earnings of £935 or less in your last Universal Credit assessment period.
Note: If you're part of a couple, the net earning threshold applies to your combined net earnings.
You should present a copy of your Universal Credit award notice to prove your entitlement. You will need to have met the eligibility criteria in the last completed Universal Credit assessment period before your health costs arose.