Price Guide

How Much Does a Dentist Really Cost?

Compare prices for 12 services across 342 UK locations. Data-driven pricing updated for .

12 services priced 342 cities covered Updated

National pricing

Dentist Prices

National average prices. Select a city below for local pricing.

All prices include materials and labour unless stated otherwise. Prices verified 2026

NHS Check-Up (Band 1)

Low

£27

Average

£27

High

£27

20-30 minutes

More details

An NHS dental examination including diagnosis, X-rays if needed, and a scale and polish if clinically necessary. The charge is fixed at £27.40 across England from April 2025. One fee covers everything in the Band 1 course of treatment, regardless of how many visits it takes.

What affects the price

  • NHS price is fixed nationally at £27.40
  • Some patients qualify for free NHS dental care
  • Includes X-rays and scale and polish if clinically needed
  • Finding an NHS dentist accepting new patients can be difficult

NHS Filling (Band 2)

Low

£75

Average

£75

High

£75

30-45 minutes

More details

An NHS filling under Band 2, which also covers root canal treatment and tooth extractions if needed in the same course of treatment. The fixed charge of £75.30 covers everything including the Band 1 examination. NHS fillings use amalgam (silver) or composite (white) at the dentist's discretion.

What affects the price

  • NHS price is fixed nationally at £75.30
  • Covers all Band 1 and Band 2 treatments in one course
  • Material choice (amalgam vs composite) is at the dentist's discretion
  • Multiple fillings in the same course cost the same single fee

NHS Crown or Bridge (Band 3)

Low

£327

Average

£327

High

£327

2 visits over 2-3 weeks

More details

An NHS crown, bridge or dentures under Band 3. The fixed charge of £326.70 includes all treatment from Band 1 and Band 2 as well. NHS crowns are typically metal or metal with a tooth-coloured coating, not fully ceramic.

What affects the price

  • NHS price is fixed nationally at £326.70
  • Covers all treatment including examinations and fillings
  • Material choices are more limited than private
  • Waiting times for NHS Band 3 work can be several weeks

Private Check-Up

Low

£40

Average

£70

High

£120

20-30 minutes

More details

A private dental examination and oral health assessment. Usually includes a thorough examination, oral cancer screening and treatment plan discussion. X-rays and hygienist appointments are typically charged separately.

What affects the price

  • Practice location (London and South East more expensive)
  • Whether X-rays are included or charged separately
  • New patient vs existing patient pricing
  • Whether an oral cancer screening is included

Private Filling (Composite)

Low

£90

Average

£150

High

£250

30-45 minutes

More details

A tooth-coloured composite resin filling placed by a private dentist. White fillings are more aesthetically pleasing than NHS amalgam and bond directly to the tooth. Price depends on the size of the filling and the quality of composite material used.

~83% labour, ~17% materials

What affects the price

  • Size and location of the cavity
  • Quality of composite material used
  • Whether the filling is under warranty
  • Dentist's experience and practice location

Private Crown (Porcelain)

Low

£500

Average

£800

High

£1,200

2 visits over 1-2 weeks

More details

A custom-made porcelain or ceramic crown fitted over a damaged tooth. Involves preparing the tooth, taking impressions, fitting a temporary crown and then bonding the permanent crown. CEREC same-day crowns are available at some practices for a premium.

~66% labour, ~34% materials

What affects the price

  • Crown material (porcelain, zirconia, eMax, PFM)
  • Whether a same-day CEREC crown is available
  • Location of the tooth (front teeth cost more)
  • Lab fees and practice location

Root Canal Treatment

Low

£300

Average

£550

High

£900

1-2 visits, 60-90 minutes each

More details

Saving a badly infected tooth by removing the infected nerve tissue from inside it, cleaning out the canals in the root, and sealing them. This avoids having the tooth pulled out. Front teeth are simpler and cheaper than back teeth. A crown is usually recommended afterwards to protect the tooth, at additional cost.

~88% labour, ~12% materials

What affects the price

  • Which tooth (front teeth simpler than molars)
  • Number of root canals in the tooth
  • General dentist vs endodontist specialist
  • Whether a crown is needed afterwards (separate cost)

Tooth Extraction (Simple)

Low

£75

Average

£150

High

£250

20-30 minutes

More details

A straightforward extraction of a visible tooth using local anaesthetic. The tooth is loosened and removed with forceps. Recovery is usually 1-2 days. Does not include wisdom teeth or teeth that require surgical removal.

~97% labour, ~3% materials

What affects the price

  • Which tooth and its location
  • Complexity of the root structure
  • Whether sedation is requested (additional cost)
  • Practice location and dentist experience

Tooth Extraction (Surgical)

Low

£200

Average

£350

High

£600

45-60 minutes

More details

Surgical removal of a tooth that cannot be simply pulled, such as impacted wisdom teeth, broken teeth or teeth with curved roots. May involve cutting the gum, removing bone and stitching the wound closed. Sedation is often recommended.

~94% labour, ~6% materials

What affects the price

  • Degree of impaction (partially vs fully impacted)
  • Whether the procedure is done under local or IV sedation
  • Number of teeth being removed in one session
  • Whether a specialist oral surgeon is required

Dental X-Rays (Full Mouth)

Low

£30

Average

£60

High

£100

10-15 minutes

More details

A full set of dental X-rays including an OPG (panoramic) and periapical films. Used to assess bone levels, root health, hidden decay between teeth and wisdom tooth position. Digital X-rays are standard and involve very low radiation exposure.

What affects the price

  • Type of X-ray (single periapical, bitewing set, full OPG)
  • Whether digital X-ray equipment is used
  • Number of individual films taken
  • Whether included free with a check-up or charged separately

Scale and Polish

Low

£45

Average

£70

High

£120

30-45 minutes

More details

A professional dental cleaning by a hygienist or dentist to remove plaque, tartar and surface stains. Includes ultrasonic scaling, hand scaling and polishing with a gritty paste. Often combined with advice on improving your oral hygiene routine at home.

What affects the price

  • Whether performed by a hygienist or dentist
  • Amount of tartar and staining present
  • Whether airflow polishing is used (premium option)
  • Practice location and appointment length

Emergency Appointment

Low

£50

Average

£100

High

£200

20-30 minutes

More details

An urgent same-day or next-day appointment for dental pain, swelling, a broken tooth or a lost filling. The emergency fee covers diagnosis, pain relief and temporary treatment. Definitive treatment (filling, extraction etc.) is usually booked as a follow-up and charged separately.

~90% labour, ~10% materials

What affects the price

  • Whether you are an existing patient at the practice
  • Time of appointment (out-of-hours costs more)
  • Weekend or bank holiday surcharges
  • Whether temporary or definitive treatment is provided

Popular locations

Dentist Costs by City

London

£35–£35

Birmingham

£25–£25

Leeds

£25–£25

Glasgow

£30–£30

Sheffield

£25–£25

Manchester

£25–£25

Bradford

£25–£25

Edinburgh

£30–£30

Liverpool

£25–£25

Bristol

£30–£30

Coventry

£25–£25

Leicester

£25–£25

Local pricing

Find Dentist Costs in Your City

Browse all 342 cities for local dentist pricing.

Barking and Dagenham Barnet Bexley London
Brighton Milton Keynes Reading Southampton
Bournemouth Bristol Gloucester Plymouth
Colchester Luton Norwich Peterborough
Birmingham Coventry Stoke-on-Trent Wolverhampton
Derby Leicester Northampton Nottingham
Bradford Leeds Sheffield York
Bolton Liverpool Manchester Warrington
County Durham Middlesbrough Newcastle upon Tyne Sunderland
Blaenau Gwent Bridgend Cardiff Swansea
Aberdeen Dundee Edinburgh Glasgow
Belfast

Regional comparison

NHS Check-Up (Band 1) by City

Average cost of nhs check-up (band 1) across key UK cities.

London
+24% £35
Manchester
-2% £25
Birmingham
-7% £25
Glasgow
+5% £30
Bristol
+7% £30
Leeds
-3% £25
Cardiff
-2% £25
Belfast
-13% £25

Overview

What Does a Dentist Do?

A dentist provides professional services covering nhs and private dental treatments including check-ups, fillings, crowns, extractions and emergency care. They cover a range of services from straightforward options to more complex, bespoke work. Choosing the right dentist ensures you get quality results and a professional experience.

You should hire a dentist whenever you need specialist expertise or professional-grade results. The right dentist brings experience, proper equipment, and industry knowledge that makes a real difference to the outcome.

Pricing for dentist services depends on the complexity of what you need, the options chosen, and where you live in the UK. Simpler services sit at the lower end of the scale, while more involved or premium options will be significantly more expensive. The prices on this page give you a realistic range for each type of service so you know what to expect before getting quotes.

When hiring a dentist, always get at least three quotes from different dental professionals. Read recent reviews and ask for references. Always check GDC registration and reviews. A reputable dentist will be happy to provide a detailed breakdown of costs and explain exactly what is included in their quote.

Related services

Related Services

Services often needed alongside a dentist.

Cosmetic Dentistry UK price guide £300–£800 Hairdresser UK price guide £35–£80 Tutoring UK price guide £20–£40 Solicitor UK price guide £800–£2,200 Family Solicitor UK price guide £2,000–£15,000 Vet UK price guide £40–£115 Wedding Photography UK price guide £1,000–£3,000 Wedding Venue UK price guide £5,000–£15,000

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about dentist costs in the UK.

How much does NHS dental treatment cost?
NHS dental charges in England are split into three bands. Band 1 (check-ups, X-rays, scale and polish) costs around 26. Band 2 (fillings, extractions, root canals) costs around 72. Band 3 (crowns, dentures, bridges) costs around 320. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different pricing structures.
How do I find an NHS dentist taking new patients?
Finding an NHS dentist can be difficult in some areas. Use the NHS Find a Dentist tool online, call your local dental helpline (111), or contact practices directly. If no NHS places are available, you can still register with a private dentist or visit an NHS emergency clinic for urgent problems.
How often should I visit the dentist?
NICE guidelines recommend check-ups every 3 to 24 months depending on your oral health. Most adults with good dental health are seen every 12 months. Those with gum disease, high decay risk or other concerns may need appointments every 3-6 months. Your dentist will advise on the right interval for you.
What is the difference between NHS and private dental treatment?
NHS treatment covers clinically necessary work at fixed banded prices. Private treatment offers a wider range of options, materials and techniques including cosmetic work, and you can usually get appointments more quickly. Many dentists offer both NHS and private services in the same practice.
Who qualifies for free NHS dental treatment?
Free NHS dental care is available to people under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education), pregnant women and new mothers (up to 12 months after birth), NHS hospital inpatients, and people receiving certain benefits such as Income Support, Universal Credit with nil income, or Pension Credit. You can also apply for help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.
What should I do in a dental emergency?
If you have severe toothache, swelling, bleeding or a knocked-out tooth, contact your regular dentist first — most practices have an emergency line. If your practice is closed, call NHS 111 for an out-of-hours dental service. For a knocked-out adult tooth, keep it moist in milk and get to a dentist within an hour for the best chance of saving it.
Are dental payment plans available?
Many private dental practices offer monthly payment plans (such as Denplan or Practice Plan) that spread the cost of routine care and give you access to discounted treatment. Plans typically cost £15-£40 per month and cover check-ups, hygiene appointments and X-rays, with discounts on any treatment needed.
Is it worth going private for dental treatment?
Private dentistry offers longer appointments, a wider choice of materials (such as ceramic crowns and tooth-coloured fillings), shorter waiting times and access to cosmetic treatments. Whether it is worth it depends on your budget and priorities. For straightforward check-ups and fillings, NHS care is good value. For cosmetic work or complex cases, private treatment may offer better outcomes.
How do NHS dental charges work in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?
NHS dental charges differ across the UK. Scotland uses a different banding system with charges typically lower than England. Wales has its own three-band system with slightly different prices. Northern Ireland has a different fee structure again. Children, pregnant women and certain benefit recipients receive free treatment across all UK nations.
How much does a dentist cost in the UK?
The most common dentist job, nhs check-up (band 1), costs between £27 and £27 nationally, with an average of £27. Prices vary depending on the scope of work, materials used, and your location within the UK.
What affects dentist prices?
The main factors are the complexity and scope of what you need, the options and products chosen, and your location. London and the South East are typically 15-35% more expensive than northern regions. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure a fair price.
How do I find a reliable dentist?
Get at least three quotes from different dental professionals, check recent reviews and references, and ask for a detailed written quote that breaks down all costs before committing. Always check GDC registration and reviews.
Do dentist prices vary by location?
Yes, significantly. London is the most expensive area, with prices typically 20-35% above the national average. The South East is also above average. Northern England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland tend to be 5-15% below the national average. Our city pages show exact local pricing for 342 UK locations.
Do the prices shown include materials?
The prices on this page include all typical costs. However, when getting real quotes, always confirm what is and isn't included. Some dental professionals break out costs separately, while others give an all-in price. Ask for a detailed breakdown before agreeing to any work.
When is the best time to hire a dentist?
Demand for dentist services tends to peak in autumn and winter, which can mean longer wait times and higher prices. If your job isn't urgent, booking during spring or summer may get you a better rate and faster availability. Emergency work will always cost more regardless of the time of year.