If you have never had to think about dental costs before – because you were under 18 or still on your parents’ NHS list – working out what you will actually pay can be confusing. NHS dental charges are not the same as private charges, and knowing the difference could save you a significant amount of money.
This guide explains exactly how NHS dental charges work in 2026, who gets treatment free, and how young people in SE19 and Crystal Palace can access NHS care right now.
Unlike private dentistry, where the cost depends on every individual procedure, NHS dental treatment in England is grouped into three flat-rate charge bands. You pay the band charge once per course of treatment – even if you need multiple appointments or several different treatments within that band.
The current NHS charge bands from April 2026 are:
| Band | What It Covers | Cost (April 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | Examination, X-rays, scale and polish if clinically needed | £27.90 |
| Band 2 | Everything in Band 1, plus fillings, extractions, root canal | £76.60 |
| Band 3 | Everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus crowns, bridges, dentures | £332.10 |
The key thing to understand: you only ever pay the highest band needed in a single course of treatment. So if you come in for a check-up and your dentist finds you also need a filling, you pay Band 2 (£76.60), not Band 1 plus a separate filling charge. The check-up is included.
If you are under 18 years old, all NHS dental treatment is completely free – no matter what treatment you need. Check-ups, X-rays, fillings, extractions, orthodontics. No charge at all.
This is an important one to get right before you turn 18. If you have been on a private plan or drifted away from the dentist, getting registered on the NHS before you hit 18 means you can get any outstanding work done at no cost.
If you are 18 and still in full-time qualifying education, you may be eligible for free NHS dental treatment. This covers school sixth forms, colleges, and some university courses – but the rules are specific, so check your eligibility at nhsbsa.nhs.uk.
If you are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months, NHS dental treatment is free. This applies regardless of age or income.
If you or your partner receive Universal Credit, Income Support, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, or income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, you are entitled to free NHS dental treatment. You may also qualify through the NHS Low Income Scheme (HC1 certificate).
NHS dental treatment covers everything that is clinically necessary – what your dentist needs to do to keep your mouth healthy. It does not cover cosmetic work or upgrades that go beyond clinical need, including:
To put these figures in context, here is a rough comparison between NHS and typical private rates in South London:
| Treatment | NHS Cost | Typical Private Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Check-up | £27.90 (Band 1) | £60-£90 |
| Filling | £76.60 (Band 2) | £100-£180 per tooth |
| Extraction | £76.60 (Band 2) | £150-£250 |
| Crown | £332.10 (Band 3) | £600-£1,000+ |
For young adults who are generally healthy but need a check-up and the occasional filling, the NHS saves hundreds of pounds a year.
The challenge for many people in their late teens and early 20s is not the cost – it is finding an NHS dentist that will take them on. NHS dental lists have been under pressure since 2020, and many practices in South London have closed their books to new patients.
Dentistry on Gipsy Hill (Dr Bandlish and Associates) has opened its NHS list specifically to patients aged under 25. You do not need a student card or a GP referral – the only requirement is that you are under 25 and based locally in SE19, Crystal Palace, Gipsy Hill, or the surrounding area.
Under-18s are treated completely free. Patients aged 18-24 pay the standard NHS charge bands above.
NHS spaces are available now. Registration takes a few minutes online.
Register as an NHS Patient Under 25 at Dentistry on Gipsy Hill
Do I have to pay for X-rays separately?
No. X-rays are included in Band 1 (£27.90) when clinically necessary. You will not be charged separately.
What if I need treatment in different bands at the same appointment?
You pay the highest band needed. If your dentist does a check-up and a filling in the same course of treatment, you pay Band 2 (£76.60), not Band 1 plus Band 2.
Can I be charged more than the band rate?
No. NHS charge bands are fixed by the government. No NHS dentist can charge you more than the band rate for NHS treatment. If you are asked to pay more, ask for a written breakdown and contact NHS England if you believe you have been overcharged.
What if I cannot afford NHS charges?
If paying is genuinely difficult, apply for an HC1 certificate through the NHS Low Income Scheme. If approved, you receive an HC2 certificate that entitles you to free or reduced-cost NHS dental treatment.
Do I need to re-register every year?
No. Once you are registered at an NHS practice, you stay registered. You may be removed from the list if you do not attend for a long time – practices vary, but staying in contact ensures your registration remains active.
If you are under 25 and looking for an NHS dentist in Gipsy Hill or Crystal Palace, spaces are available now at Dentistry on Gipsy Hill.
Dentistry on Gipsy Hill – Dr Bandlish & Associates. 5 Gipsy Hill, Crystal Palace, London SE19 1QG.
NHS charge figures correct as of April 2026. Source: nhs.uk
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