NHS dental charges from 1st April 2011

The charge you pay depends on the treatment you need to keep your mouth, gums and teeth healthy. You will only ever be asked to pay one charge for each completed course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it—either Band 1, Band 2 or Band 3.

If you have to be referred to another dentist for another course of treatment you can expect a second charge. Some minor treatments, including having stitches removed or repair to dentures (if they can be mended) are free.

If you are not exempt from charges, you should pay one of the following charges for each course of treatment you receive:

BAND 1 course of treatment £17

This covers an examination, diagnosis (eg X-rays) advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale if needed and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealants. If you require urgent care, even if your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one BAND 1 charge.

BAND 2 course of treatment £47

Band 2 covers everything listed in BAND 1, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

BAND 3 course of treatment £204

Band 3 covers everything listed in BAND 1 and BAND 2, plus crowns, dentures or bridges.