NHS Dental Charges Set to Increase Across England from April 2026
Patients in England will need to pay more for NHS dental treatments from the start of next month, as new fee changes come into effect. From April 1, 2026, dental charges will rise by an average of 1.7%, impacting millions of people across the country.
Detailed Breakdown of the Fee Increases
The new fee structure will see increases across all three treatment bands. Band one treatment, which covers routine and preventative services such as examinations, diagnosis, advice, x-rays, fluoride varnish, and fissure sealants, will increase by 50p. The cost will rise from the current price of £27.40 to £27.90.
Band two treatment, which includes everything in band one plus additional procedures like fillings, root canal treatments, tooth extractions, sealants, denture adjustments, and advanced gum disease treatment, will see a £1.30 increase. This brings the cost from £75.30 to £76.60.
Band three treatment, covering band one and band two services as well as more complex procedures such as dentures, fixed replacements for missing teeth, braces, crowns, and restoring damaged teeth with inlays and onlays, will increase by £5.40. The new price will be £332.10, up from £326.70.
Government Statement and Patient Exemptions
A statement on Parliament UK explains that NHS dental patient charges provide an important revenue source for NHS dentistry and are typically uplifted on April 1 each financial year. For the 2026/27 financial year, the charges will be uplifted by approximately 1.66%, which is described as a below-inflation increase.
The statement adds: "We will continue to provide financial support to those who need it most through a range of dental charge exemptions." Patients remain exempt from charges if they are:
- Under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
- Pregnant or had a baby in the previous 12 months
- Being treated in an NHS hospital, with treatment carried out by the hospital dentist (though patients may have to pay for dentures or bridges)
- Receiving low-income benefits, or under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving low-income benefits
Some dental treatments are free in specific circumstances, such as stitches removal, stopping bleeding from the mouth after a tooth extraction, and repairing false teeth (dentures). However, if dentures cannot be repaired, patients will have to pay for new ones.
Political Context and Criticism
The April 1 increase comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced last month that the government would be freezing prescription charges for the second year in a row. He stated: "No one’s health should be put at risk because they can’t afford medication. That’s why we’re freezing prescription charges for the second year in a row. There's more to do – but we are supporting families and putting money back in your pocket."
However, the increase in NHS dental patient charges has been strongly criticised by the British Dental Association (BDA). The organisation described the fee changes as a "slap in the face" to patients.
Shiv Pabary, Chair of the British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee, commented: "This hike is a slap in the face to millions on modest incomes. It won’t put a penny into a service on its knees. Patients will pay more, simply so Ministers can pay less. The Prime Minister claims he wants to 'put money back into voters' pockets'. He needs to explain these choices to the pensioners who will pay an extra fiver towards their next set of dentures."
The fee changes highlight ongoing tensions in healthcare funding, with the government balancing revenue needs against patient affordability concerns in the NHS dental system.
