NHS dental charges 2026/27 explained
NHS dental treatment in England costs one of three fixed charges in 2026/27: £27.90 (Band 1), £76.60 (Band 2) or £332.10 (Band 3). You pay one charge per course of treatment — the highest band your course needs — never a charge per procedure.
What each band covers
Band 1 (£27.90) covers examination, diagnosis, X-rays and advice. Band 2 (£76.60) adds treatment like fillings, extractions, root canal — and, from April 2026, fissure sealants, which moved up from Band 1. Band 3 (£332.10) covers lab-made items: crowns, dentures and bridges.
The one-charge rule
A course of treatment costs its highest band once, however much it includes. An examination, two fillings and a crown is one Band 3 charge of £332.10 — not the three bands added together. Urgent treatment is its own course at the Band 1 rate.
Who pays nothing
Treatment is free if you're exempt — under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education), pregnant or with a baby under 12 months, on qualifying benefits, or holding an HC2 certificate. Age alone doesn't exempt pensioners.
Charges only matter once someone will see you — find a dentist in Carlisle.