In short: In England you can get dental care from an NHS dentist, paying one of three set charges (or nothing if you are exempt), or from a private dentist who sets their own fees. The NHS covers all treatment that is clinically necessary to keep your mouth healthy; private care can add cosmetic options, a wider choice of materials and more flexible appointment times, at a higher cost. Many practices offer both, so it is worth asking what is available.

This guide explains how NHS and private dental care work in England, what each typically covers and how to decide what suits you.

How does NHS dental care work?

You do not register with an NHS dentist in the same way you register with a GP, and there are no catchment areas. You can contact any practice offering NHS treatment to ask whether it is taking on patients. Availability varies a great deal by area, and some people find it hard to get an NHS appointment.

NHS charges in England are grouped into bands. At the time of review, they are:

Band	Charge	What it covers (summary)
Urgent	£27.90	Urgent assessment and treatment such as pain relief, a temporary filling, draining an abscess or removing up to two teeth
Band 1	£27.90	Examination, diagnosis, advice, X-rays, scale and polish if clinically needed, fluoride treatment
Band 2	£76.60	Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions
Band 3	£332.10	Everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other lab-made work

Charges are reviewed periodically, so check the current figures on the NHS website. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have different systems. You pay one charge per course of treatment, at the highest band needed.

Who gets free NHS dental treatment?

You do not pay NHS dental charges if, for example, you are under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education), pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or receive certain benefits. Partial help may be available through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Check eligibility before your appointment.

What does private dental care offer?

Private dentists set their own prices and can offer treatments that are not available on the NHS, such as:

cosmetic treatments, including tooth whitening, composite bonding and veneers
a wider choice of materials, for example tooth-coloured fillings on back teeth where the NHS might use amalgam
dental implants, which are only rarely available on the NHS
adult orthodontics such as clear aligners, where NHS treatment is limited to clinical need
more flexible opening hours or longer appointments at some practices

Private dental care can be paid for per treatment, through a monthly practice plan, or via dental insurance. Prices vary widely between practices, so ask for a written treatment plan and cost estimate before you start.

NHS or private dentist: how do I choose?

Consider	NHS dentist	Private dentist
Cost	Fixed band charges, or free if exempt	Set by the practice; usually higher
Treatment range	All clinically necessary care	Clinically necessary care plus cosmetic and elective options
Availability	Depends on local capacity	Often easier to book, but varies by practice
Regulation	Dentists in both settings must be registered with the General Dental Council, and practices in England are regulated by the Care Quality Commission

The right choice depends on your needs, budget and what is available near you. Some people use the NHS for routine care and pay privately only for cosmetic work.

What should I check before choosing a dentist?

That the dentist is on the General Dental Council register
The practice's latest CQC inspection report
A written treatment plan and cost estimate, including what is NHS and what is private
Whether follow-up appointments or adjustments are included
How the practice handles complaints

When do I need to see a dentist urgently?

Contact a dentist promptly, or NHS 111 if you cannot get an appointment, if you have severe toothache, facial swelling, a dental abscess, a knocked-out adult tooth or bleeding that will not stop. Go to A&E or call 999 if swelling is affecting your breathing, swallowing or vision. See a dentist or GP about any mouth ulcer, lump or red or white patch that has not healed within three weeks.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I see a dentist?

It depends on your oral health. NICE guidance says recall intervals should be set individually, ranging from every 3 months to 2 years for adults, rather than automatically every 6 months.

Can I have both NHS and private treatment at the same practice?

Yes, many practices offer both. Your dentist should explain clearly which parts of your treatment are NHS and which are private, and the costs, before you agree.

Are white fillings available on the NHS?

Yes, where clinically appropriate, for example on front teeth. For back teeth, your dentist may recommend amalgam as the more durable NHS option; a tooth-coloured filling may then be offered privately.

How do I find an NHS dentist?

Use the NHS "Find a dentist" service online and contact practices directly. If you need urgent care and cannot find a dentist, contact NHS 111.

Key takeaways

The NHS provides all clinically necessary dental treatment for set charges, with exemptions for some groups.
Private dentists set their own fees and offer cosmetic and elective options.
All dentists must be GDC-registered; check the register and CQC reports.
Always get a written treatment plan and cost estimate first.
Seek urgent help for swelling, severe pain or trauma, and get non-healing mouth ulcers checked.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dentist. Dental charges quoted apply to England and may change.

Ready Health does not provide dental treatment, but our CQC-registered clinic in Standish, serving Wigan, Chorley and Bolton, offers a wide range of private health services. Visit readyhealth.co.uk to see what we offer.

NHS or Private Dentist? A Guide to Dental Care Options in England