What can your NHS dentist do for you? - Guidance from NHS England

Find a dentist at www.nhs.uk/dentists

Visiting your dentist during the COVID-19 pandemic

• Please only visit your practice if you have an appointment and book an appointment only if essential – dentists are currently prioritising the vulnerable or those with the most urgent need.
• Appointments for some routine treatments, such as dental check-ups, may have to be rescheduled for a later date.
• Your practice will look a little different than usual as they will be operating in a way that observes COVID-19 social distancing and hygiene rules to ensure everyone’s safety.

Your first routine visit

• The dental practice will take your medical and dental history (if available) and carry out a check up; examining your mouth, teeth and gums.
• Following your check up if your dentist recommends dental treatment, you’ll be given a plan. This outlines all the treatments you are having and how much they will cost. If you are not given a treatment plan, ask for one.
• Your dentist will recommend a date for your next visit. People with good oral health may need to attend once every 12 to 24 months, but those with more problems may need to visit more often.

Emergency dental care

• Anyone who needs emergency dental care should first call their dental practice.
• If you cannot contact your dentist or do not have one, patients are advised to use the NHS 111 online service: www.111.nhs.uk

Payment

You pay a contribution towards the cost of your care and are charged for treatments depending on which band they fall into.
All NHS treatments are covered with a 12-month guarantee. 

1. Band 1 (including emergency treatment) - £ 23.80
2. Band 2 - £ 65.20
3. Band 3 - £ 282.80

You don’t have to pay for NHS dental treatments if you are:

• under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
• pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
• being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges)
• receiving low income benefits, or you’re under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving low income benefits.

Treatments

• Band 1 (emergency treatment) covers emergency care, such as pain relief and temporary fillings.
• Band 1 covers an examination, diagnosis, a scale and polish if clinically needed, preventative care (such as fluoride varnish) and advice on how to prevent future problems.
• Band 2 covers everything listed in Band 1, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or removal of teeth.
• Band 3 covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2, plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other laboratory work.

Find out more

The NHS website has more information about dental services www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/dentists