Can I have NHS dental treatment?
If you are accepted for treatment by an NHS dentist, the NHS will contribute towards the cost of your treatment. The amount that the NHS contributes towards your treatment is dependent on your individual circumstances.
Please note that NHS fee levels are fixed by the government. The NHS cannot force a dentist to accept you as an NHS patient.
Once you have been accepted as an NHS patient by a dentist, and have registered with that dentist, then you do have an entitlement to NHS treatment, just from that particular dentist. But the entitlement ends if your registration lapses – the process goes back to the beginning and the dentist can decide again whether to re-register you as an NHS patient.
As a registered patient, you may prefer to have some of your treatment privately and some under the NHS. Your dentist will discuss with you the best options for you.
What dental treatment can be provided on the NHS?
It is up to the dentist to decide what dental treatment is clinically necessary.
Treatments that cannot be deemed clinically necessary or that are purely cosmetic, such as sports guards or external bleaching, must be provided privately, also some treatments is out of NHS scope and we do not have a contract with PCT to provide those treatments, like complex root canal or Invisalign.
Your clinician will discuss your treatment options with you to ensure you receive the dental care you need to feel confident in your smile.
Band 1 course of treatment – £27.40
This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, If you require urgent care, even if your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one Band 1 charge.
Band 2 course of treatment – £75.30
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 – £326.70
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges.
Following are certain conditions in which NHS treatments are being provided free:
Under 18 years old
18 but in full-time education
Pregnant or have given birth within the last 12 months
If you or your partner are currently in receipt of:
Income Support,
Income Based Job-seeker’s Allowance Income – related Employment & Support Allowance or Guarantee Pension Credit (not savings credit, use your award notice as evidence),
What treatments aren’t included under NHS dental care?
What’s the difference between NHS and private treatment?
NHS covers clinically necessary treatments. Private care can offer more options, materials, and cosmetic treatments not available on the NHS.
NHS dental treatment in the UK provides clinically necessary care at subsidised, fixed costs through a banding system, making it more affordable but sometimes harder to access due to limited availability. It covers essential treatments like check-ups, fillings, and extractions, but generally excludes cosmetic procedures. In contrast, private dental care offers a broader range of services—including cosmetic treatments like whitening and veneers, implant, Invisalign , Complex RTC and faster appointments, and higher-end materials, but at a significantly higher and variable cost. The choice between NHS and private depends on your needs, budget, and how quickly or comprehensively you want treatment.
Who is entitled to free NHS dental treatment?
You will be entitled to free NHS dental treatment if, when your treatment starts, you are:
Under 18
Under 19 and in full-time education
Pregnant or you’ve had a baby in the 12 months before treatment starts
Staying in an NHS hospital and the hospital dentist carries out your treatment
You can also get free NHS dental treatment if, when the treatment starts or when you’re asked to pay:
You’re included in an award of Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit guarantee credit
You’re named on, or entitled to, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
You’re named on a valid HC2 certificate
If you’re named on a valid HC3 certificate, you may not have to pay for all your NHS dental treatment. HC2 and HC3 certificates are issued under the NHS Low Income Scheme – see below.
You will not be exempt from paying for NHS dental treatment because you receive one of the benefits below when paid on their own:
Incapacity Benefit
Contribution-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
Disability Living Allowance
Council Tax Benefit
Housing Benefit
Pension Credit savings credit
When will I pay for NHS dental treatment?
In Boston Dental Centre we have advance payment policy, Unless you are exempt, only some minor treatments are offered for free through the NHS. But in the case that you must pay for your treatment, you will only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course – even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it.
In cases where you are referred to another dentist for an additional course of treatment, you should expect a second charge.
Why are there more private dental appointments available than NHS dental appointments in England and Wales?
We do not prioritise private patients over NHS patients. However, due to the requirements set out by the NHS, not all dentists in the UK are registered to provide NHS dental treatment. Therefore, you may notice different appointment availability, as it may be that a private only dentist has availability, but they are only able to see private patients. When an NHS registered dentist has an available appointment, it is open to all patients on a first-come first-serve basis.
Why don’t some practices have an NHS dentist at the moment?
As you may have seen in the national press, there is a nationwide issue with the supply of NHS dentists, which is impacting multiple practices within Portman Dental Care and beyond. Regrettably, because of this, recruitment processes are taking longer than we anticipated, and we are doing all we can to recruit for these vacancies, with a clinician who meets our high standards for all our patients.
What is a private dental practice?
We are also a private dental practice that provides dental care largely outside the National Health Service. The contract for providing such care is an entirely private matter between dentist or Therapist and the patients.
What’s the difference between NHS and private dentures?
Private dentures are made with premium materials and can be customised more than NHS options.
What is the NHS Low Income Scheme?
The NHS Low Income Scheme provides income-related help to people who are not exempt from charges but who may be entitled to full or partial help with healthcare costs if they have a low income. Anyone can apply as long as they don’t have savings or investments over the capital limit. In England, the capital limit is £16,000 (or £23,250 if you live permanently in a care home).
Help is based on a comparison between your weekly income and assessed requirements at the time the claim is made. Entitlement broadly follows Income Support rules to decide how much, if anything, you must pay towards your healthcare costs, including dental treatment costs.
The NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA) website has more information about the NHS Low Income Scheme, including how to apply.
Can I choose to go private for a specific treatment?
Yes. You can opt for private treatment alongside NHS care. We’ll provide separate quotes and consent.
Can I get implants through the NHS?
no this is a private treatment only