The charge you pay depends on the treatment you need to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy. You will only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it. From the 24th April 2023, the charges are as follows;
Band 1 Course of Treatment £26.80
This covers an examination, diagnosis, advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant. If you require urgent care, you will also pay a Band 1 charge.
Band 2 Course of Treatment £73.50
This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or extractions.
Band 3 Course of Treatment £319.10
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures and bridges.
You do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment if, when treatment starts, you are:
-aged under 18
-under 19 and receiving full-time education
-pregnant or a mother who has had a baby in the previous 12 months
-in prison or a youg offender's institution
You also do not have to pay if, when treatment starts you are included in an award (as a claimant, partner or dependent person under 20) of:
-Income Support
-Income related Employment and Support Allowance
-Income based Jobseeker's Allowance
-Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
-Universal Credit and for the last assessment period there were no earnings or earnings within the allowed limit
-you are named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate, or you are entitled to an NHS tax credit exemption certificate
-you are named on a valid HC2 certificate
You will not be exempt from payment if you receive Incapacity Benefit, contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance, contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit or Pension Credit Savings Credit, when paid on their own. Medical conditions do not exempt patients from payment for dental treatment.
You will be asked to show your dentist written proof that you do not have to pay for all or part of your NHS treatment. You will also be asked to sign a form to confirm that you do not have to pay. If your name is on a valid HC3 certificate, you may not have to pay for all your treatment. Checks are made on free and reduced cost treatment claims. If you say you have a right to free treatment when you do not, you may incur a penalty charge.