NHS dental charges what you should pay
From 1 April 2007, if you are not exempt from charges, you should pay one of the following rates only:
Band 1 course of treatment - £16.20
This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. x-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, and a scale and polish if needed.
Urgent treatment, when you need to see a dentist immediately, also costs £15.90.
Band 2 course of treatment - £44.60
This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, 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 - £198.00
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges.
These are the only dental charges your dentist should ask you to pay when you are having NHS treatment.
- You should only have to pay one charge for each course of treatment - even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it.
- If you need more treatment within the same charge band, for example an additional filling, within two months of completing a course of treatment, you will not have to pay anything extra.
- There is no charge for repairing dentures or for having stitches removed.
- To find out about free NHS dental treatment, see form HC11, Help with health costs, available at your local Jobcentre Plus or from the Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk
- Ask your dentist for a copy of NHS dentistry in England: information for patients.
- Ask to see your dentist's practice leaflet.
- Contact your Primary Care Trust (PCT), or see their website.
- Call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit www.nhs.uk
- Go to the dentistry pages on the Department of Health www.dh.gov.uk/dental
