What are the patient charges?

If you pay for NHS dental treatment, there are three standard charges.

The amount you pay depends on the treatment you might need to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

You only pay one charge even if you need to visit more than once to complete a course of treatment.

If you need more treatment at the same charge level (e.g. an additional filling) within two months of seeing your dentist, this is free of charge.

You pay one of the following three charges:

£15.50 - This charge includes an examination, diagnosis and preventive care. If necessary, this includes X-rays, scale and polish, and planning for further treatment.

Urgent and out-of-hours care also costs £15.50.

OR
£42.40 - This charge includes all necessary treatment covered by the £15.50 charge PLUS additional treatment such as fillings, root canal treatment or extractions.

OR
£189 -This charge includes all necessary treatment covered by the £15.50 and £42.40 charges PLUS more complex procedures such as crowns, dentures or bridges.

Note: you should ask your dentist how much your individual treatment plan will cost.

There is no charge for writing a prescription or for removing stitches. Usual charges apply when getting the prescription dispensed.

Repairs to dentures remain free of charge.

Referrals to another dentist

If you are referred to another dentist for part of your course of treatment, you still pay one charge (to the dentist who refers you).

If you need a new course of treatment involving sedation, orthodontics or a home visit (specialised services) you pay one charge to the dentist who provides the specialised service. Your dentist should not charge you for a referral to sedation, orthodontic or home visit services, but may need to charge you for any treatment provided before you were referred (and this is in addition to any charge levied for the specialist service).

Note: ask your dentist or PCT for information on how to access NHS sedation, orthodontic and home visit services in your area. Remember that children under 18 do not have to pay for NHS dental treatment, including orthodontics.