Free and cheaper NHS dental treatment

Free NHS dental treatment

You do not pay for NHS dental treatment if, when treatment starts, you:

• are under 18
• are 18 and in full-time education
• are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
• are being treated in an NHS hospital by a hospital dentist (you may pay for dentures or bridges)
• get income-related ESA, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit within the earnings limits
• have an HC2 certificate (an HC3 may help with part of the cost)

NHS dental charges in England

If you pay, NHS charges are set in three bands, depending on the treatment you need:

• Band 1: check-ups, X-rays, scale and polish, and urgent care
• Band 2: everything in Band 1, plus fillings, root canal treatment and taking out teeth
• Band 3: everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus crowns, dentures and bridges

You pay one charge for each course of treatment, however many visits it takes. Check the current prices on the NHS website.

In Wales

Dental check-ups are free if you are under 25 or 60 or over. Wales changed how dental charges work in April 2026, with set charges for different types of care and a maximum charge for a course of treatment. Ask your dentist what you will pay before treatment starts.

Finding an NHS dentist

Search for dentists taking on NHS patients on the NHS website, or call NHS 111 if you need urgent dental care and cannot find a dentist. In Wales, contact your local health board.