NHS Services

Dentistry is one of the few NHS services where you have to pay a contribution towards the cost of your care. The information on this page explains what you may have to pay for your NHS dental treatment.

Emergency dental treatment - £25.80

This covers emergency care in a primary care NHS dental practice such as pain relief or a temporary filling.

We are providing same day appointments where available for urgent treatment. Please contact our reception team @ 0191 514 1717

Band 1 course of treatment - £25.80

This covers an examination, diagnosis (including X-rays, if needed), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale if clinically needed, and preventative care such as the application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant if appropriate.

Band 2 course of treatment - £70.70

This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or removal of teeth but not more complex items covered by Band 3.

Band 3 course of treatment - £306.80

This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other laboratory work. Any treatment that your dentist believes is clinically necessary to achieve and maintain good oral health should be available on the NHS. Be aware that being repeatedly late for your treatment sessions or failure to attend appointments may result in the early termination of the course of treatment.

Who's entitled to free dental care?

If one or more of the criteria listed below applies to you when your treatment starts, you'll be entitled to free NHS dental care.

You're entitled if you are:

  • aged under 18, or under 19 and in qualifying full-time education
  • pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months
  • Income Support
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
  • Universal Credit and meet the criteria
  • If you're entitled to or named on:
    • a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate
    • a valid HC2 certificate
    • People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.

You will not be exempt from paying if you receive:

  • Incapacity benefit
  • contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
  • contribution-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance
  • Council Tax Benefit
  • Pension Credit Savings Credit
  • Medical conditions do not exempt patients from payment for dental treatment. You'll 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.