Read about the change to NHS dental charges 2026-2027 as the government implements increases from 1st April.
This year, 2026, the April uplift for NHS dental Band Fees is an average of 1.7%. To soften the pain at this time of rising costs for household needs and fuel, do you remember the cost hikes after the pandemic freeze? In 2023 the government increased fees by 8.5%. In 2024, the increase was 4%.
But we have to ask the question: Are you able to access NHS dental care? Many adults find it difficult to access regular NHS services. Adding relatively small increases on NHS charges will not finance patient needs. Government commitment to helping more dentists to qualify and offer NHS dentistry is necessary.
Some examples to show the pricing of a course of treatment.
Dental Treatment
also known as
NHS Band
April 2026
New patient consultation
Check-up or Examination
Band 1
£27.40
Basic x-rays
Bite Wings or Radiographs
included in patient consultation
£nil
Scale and polish
Basic hygiene clean
included in patient consultation
£nil
Hygiene deep scaling
Hygiene extended appointment
Band 2
£76.60
Amalgam filling
Metal filling
Band 2
£76.60
Composite filling
White filling
Band 2
(normally front teeth only)
£76.60
Root canal treatment
Root filling
Band 2
£76.60
Simple extraction
Tooth removal
Band 2
£76.60
Crown
Cap on tooth
Band 3
£332.10
Dentures
False teeth
Band 3
£332.10
Patients who are not exempt from treatment pay one charge, fixed at a rate according to one of the bands above. The fee is set for each completed course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it. A course of dental treatment is completed when the treatment listed in your treatment plan is provided in full.
As a patient, if your NHS dental charges 2026 are not clear, ask your dentist to explain and request a written payment plan.
You contribute to your NHS dental treatment as per the bands above unless you are entitled to free dental care. The main criteria of entitlement to free dental care are:
You are entitled if you are:
aged under 18, or under 19 and in full-time qualifying education
pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
staying in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist
an NHS hospital dental service outpatient – however, you may have to pay for your dentures or bridges
You are also entitled to free dental charges if you or your partner, including civil partner, receive, or you’re under the age of 20 and the dependant of someone receiving:
*Please note: Some SpaDental practices are only able to see private patients because they do not hold a contract with the NHS. Our private only practices, offer a range of dental plans to spread the cost of of treatment over monthly payments.
