NHS dental charges in England will be increasing by 1.7% from April 1, 2026 – here’s how much you’ll pay for treatments including check-ups, fillings and dentures
Patients needing dental treatment will face higher charges from next month as prices rise across England as NHS dental care costs will increase by an average of 1.7% from April 1.
The increases impact all patients paying for NHS dental treatment, from those attending routine check-ups to individuals requiring new dentures. Based on the treatment needed, costs will rise between 50p for standard procedures to over £5 for more extensive work.
These revised charges will remain in effect throughout the 2026/27 financial year to support funding for dental services. Although most patients will experience a modest rise, specific groups continue to qualify for free treatment or financial assistance with healthcare expenses.
It comes amid the Daily Mirror’s Dentists for All campaign which sets out three demands for everyone to have access to an NHS dentist.
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The charge for standard treatment, classified as band one, is increasing from £27.40 to £27.90 to cover examinations and X-rays. For patients requiring more extensive procedures, such as fillings or extractions, the band two cost will climb by £1.30 to reach £76.60.
Those needing the most comprehensive treatments, including braces or dentures, will see band three charges rise from £326.70 to £332.10. These updated figures follow the Government’s decision to modify revenue collected from patients each April.
A statement on Parliament UK reads: “NHS dental patient charges provide an important revenue source for NHS dentistry and are typically uplifted on April 1 each financial year. We uplift the rate at the same point each year, and for the 2026/27 financial year, the charges will be uplifted by approximately 1.66%, which is now a below-inflation increase. Dental patients will benefit from the continued provision that this important revenue supports.”
The statement added: “We will continue to provide financial support to those who need it most through a range of dental charge exemptions”. Generally, you won’t have to pay if you’re having stitches removed or if a dentist is stopping bleeding following a procedure.
PM Keir Starmer recently confirmed that costs for medicine prescriptions will remain frozen to help with the cost of living. On this decision, 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 British Dental Association (BDA) has voiced criticism over the decision to specifically increase dental fees.
Shiv Pabary, chairman of the British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee, remarked: “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.”
