Dentist
NHS dental treatment is partly paid, but with an HC2 certificate (which means also on Section 95) it is free. The main difficulty is not the price, but finding a clinic that takes new NHS patients. In an emergency call 111 — they will find an urgent appointment.
How much it costs (from April 2026)
You pay once for the whole course of treatment — according to the highest band you need.
| Band | Price | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £27.90 | Examination, X‑ray, cleaning, emergency pain relief |
| Band 2 | £76.60 | + fillings, extractions, root canal treatment |
| Band 3 | £332.10 | + crowns, dentures, bridges |
If you need an examination (Band 1) and a filling (Band 2) in one course, you only pay £76.60, not the sum. If within 2 months you need something from the same or a lower band, you do not have to pay extra.
Who gets it free
If you do not yet have an HC2 but are entitled, the dentist cannot refuse you: ask them to sign a declaration. More details about HC2 on the prescriptions and HC2 page.
How to find a dentist (it is difficult — honestly)
Most clinics are not taking new adult NHS patients — this is a problem across the whole country. Do not give up, act like this:
- Search on nhs.uknhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist — filter “accepting new NHS patients”.
- Widen your radiusClinics 20+ km away may take patients.
- Check every weekLists are updated; put yourself on several waiting lists at once.
- Ask directly“Are you taking on new NHS patients, even with a wait?”
Acute toothache
Emergency pain relief is Band 1 (£27.90), and free with an HC2.
Where to go next
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does NHS dental treatment cost?
You pay once for the whole course of treatment according to the band: Band 1 — £27.90 (examination, X‑ray, cleaning), Band 2 — £76.60 (+ fillings, extractions, root canals), Band 3 — £332.10 (+ crowns, dentures). With an HC2 certificate (which means also on Section 95), pregnant women, children under 18 — free.
I am entitled to free treatment — what do I show?
Show your HC2 certificate. If you are on Section 95, you automatically have one. Pregnant women and children under 18 are also free. If you do not yet have an HC2, the dentist cannot refuse you — ask them to sign a declaration of your right to free treatment.
I cannot find a dentist that takes NHS patients.
This is a problem across the whole country — most clinics are not taking new adult NHS patients. What to do: search on nhs.uk/service-search/find-a-dentist with the filter “accepting new NHS patients”, widen your search radius, check every week, put yourself on several waiting lists, ask directly: “Are you taking new NHS patients, even with a wait?”.
Acute toothache — what should I do?
Call 111 — the operator will find an emergency appointment (usually within 24 hours). If bleeding will not stop or swelling makes it hard to breathe — call 999 or go to A&E. Emergency pain relief is Band 1 (£27.90), and free with an HC2.
The dentist refuses me without an HC2 — is that legal?
No, if you have the right to free treatment (for example, on Section 95). Ask to speak to the practice manager. If that does not help, contact your local ICB (Integrated Care Board) or Healthwatch.