NHS vs Private Dentistry in London: Costs, Benefits & What’s Right for You
Understanding the costs of dental treatment on the NHS and private options can help you make a better decision. You can learn what to do if you’re faced with unexpected costs, and learn how NHS and private options differ.
Choosing between NHS vs private dentistry in London isn’t just about price tags—it’s about access, the kind of care you want, and how soon you need it. If you’ve been refreshing “NHS dentist near me” for weeks, or you’re weighing up a crown vs cosmetic options, this guide breaks it down clearly so you can pick what actually fits your life.
Quick Look
- NHS: predictable fees, essential treatment covered, incredible value when you can access it—though appointments can be limited and mostly for clinically necessary care.
- Private: faster access, longer appointments, broader treatment range (cosmetic, premium materials), but costs vary by clinic and complexity. Below, we share examples with real London price points.
What NHS dentistry covers (and what it costs in 2025)?
NHS dental care in England groups treatment into three fixed-price bands. As of 1 April 2025, the charges are:
- Band 1 — £27.40: Check-up, clinically-needed X-rays, advice, preventative work (e.g., fluoride), and simple gum care when clinically necessary.
- Band 2 — £75.30: Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment, and extractions (where clinically needed).
- Band 3 — £326.70: Everything in Bands 1 & 2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other custom appliances.
- Urgent treatment — £27.40: Pain relief and immediate measures (temp filling, dressings, limited extractions), with further banded costs if more treatment is needed.
A couple of important notes that catch people out:
- Scaling (a “hygiene-style” clean) is included in Band 1 only if the dentist says it’s clinically necessary; extensive gum work may be Band 2. If it’s not clinically indicated, you’d need to pay privately for that polish/airflow finish.
- Some treatments are free in specific situations (e.g., stopping bleeding, repairing dentures). Check exemptions and eligibility on the NHS page before you pay.
Why the prices changed: 2025/26 fees rose modestly (routine inflationary uplift) and took effect on 1 April 2025 under the official regulations.
Private dentistry in London: What you actually pay (with real examples)
Private fees vary with the dentist’s expertise, materials, lab work, and—yes—postcode. To ground the ranges, here are real examples from London practices:
Check-up (existing patient): ~£50–£115
- — London Dental Centre lists £50 for existing patients (£60 new).
- — Bupa London Bank lists an adult check-up at £115; new patient exam £165.
Hygienist appointment: ~£79–£175+
- — London Dental Centre: £79 (direct-access).
- — Bupa London Bank: from £175.
Fillings (tooth-coloured composite): ~£115–£300+
- — London Dental Centre: £115–£300 depending on size.
- — Bupa London Bank: white filling (large) from £245.
Crowns: ~£750–£850+ for porcelain/zirconia (private lab fees can push this higher in complex cases).
Root canal (front/back): from ~£1,336–£1,679 at Bupa London Bank; other clinics may quote lower for simpler cases or higher for re-treatments/specialists.
Extractions: £150–£250 for simple, £250–£700+ for surgical/complex (London Dental Centre examples).
Emergency private appointment: £60–£126 (examples: £60–£95 at London Dental Centre; £126 at Bupa London Bank).
Why private can feel pricier: longer appointments, wider cosmetic choices (e.g., Invisalign, whitening, composite bonding), and premium materials—often with same-day or next-day availability and evening/weekend slots. Many practices also offer 0% finance or subscriptions to spread routine costs.
Access & Waiting times: (What Londoners are running into?)
The biggest practical difference people feel is access. Nationally, 40% of adults in England were seen by an NHS dentist in the 24 months to 31 March 2025, and 57% of children in the 12 months to that date. Trends are improving but still behind pre-2019 levels in many areas, which helps explain why private diaries are busier.
If you’re struggling to register or get a non-urgent NHS slot, a private check-up can be a straightforward fallback—especially if you want a clean and polish that isn’t clinically necessary under NHS rules.
Treatment Scope: (Clinically necessary vs Aesthetic look)
- NHS focuses on necessary care, such as treating dental disease, restoring function, and improving oral health. White fillings on back teeth, advanced cosmetics, or premium materials may not be offered unless there’s a clinical reason.
- Private expands the menu: cosmetic orthodontics (e.g., Invisalign), whitening, aesthetic-led composite bonding, ceramic upgrades, and longer planning visits—often with digital scans and more face time.
Neither is “better” in the abstract, but they serve different goals.
Cost Comparison: (Real-world Scenarios)
Scenario 1: Routine prevention
NHS Band 1 £27.40 covers exam, necessary X-rays and, if clinically indicated, scaling. If it’s not indicated, but you want a polish, a private hygiene is typically £79–£175 in London.
Scenario 2: Toothache with a deep cavity
On the NHS, a filling sits in Band 2 (£75.30)—same price whether it’s one or several fillings in that course of treatment. Private composite filling fees vary ~£115–£300+, depending on size and tooth; you may also pay for X-rays and the exam.
Scenario 3: Broken tooth needing a crown
An NHS crown falls into Band 3 (£326.70)—excellent value, though material choice may be limited for molars. A private crown in London often ranges ~£750–£850+, depending on ceramic, lab, and aesthetics.
Scenario 4: Root canal
When available within NHS capacity, a root canal is Band 2 (£75.30). Private endodontics in central London start from ~£1,300–£1,700 and may vary for complex cases.
Scenario 5: Urgent pain on a weekend
NHS urgent fee £27.40 covers immediate relief; follow-up may incur banded costs. Private same-day emergency appointments in London commonly list ~£60–£126 before any treatment.
For core dentistry, the NHS offers outstanding value if you can access it. Private care buys you speed, choice and time—especially for cosmetic goals or when you want a deeper clean and polish that might not be “clinically necessary.”
Ask Yourself Three Quick Questions
What’s my goal right now?
Pain relief and essential treatment? Try NHS first (urgent fee is low and predictable). Want a same-day slot, polish, or cosmetic consult? Then choose private, it will be simpler.
How soon do I need it?
Choose private if you have struggled to find an NHS slot or prefer an evening/weekend appointment. It can be helpful, especially for time-sensitive work.
Do I want specific materials or aesthetics?
If you’re particular about ceramic shades, cosmetic bonding, or aligners, private gives more choices.
Take A Hybrid Approach
- Use the NHS for check-ups and essential treatment when you’re eligible and can get in.
- Top up with private hygiene (if not clinically indicated on the NHS) and private cosmetic upgrades when you want the extra polish or aesthetics.
How to Choose a Private Dentist in London? (fast checklist)
Before considering a private dentist in London, you must check these:
- Transparent price list.
- CQC-registered practice; GDC-registered clinicians.
- Same-day emergency slots, evening/weekend appointments.
- 0% options or monthly subscriptions for routine care.
- Digital X-rays/scanners, and adequate appointment length for explanations—not rushed.
FAQs
Can I mix NHS and private care?
Yes. You can be treated on the NHS for clinically necessary work and still choose private treatment for other items (e.g., whitening, cosmetic bonding). Your dentist should itemise what’s NHS vs private and explain costs up front.
Are white fillings available on the NHS?
Yes, when clinically necessary (often front teeth). For back teeth, your dentist will discuss the best material; if you prefer a cosmetic option that isn’t clinically required, you can opt for a private one.
What counts as urgent on the NHS?
Urgent care focuses on pain relief and immediate measures (exam, X-rays, temporary fillings, limited extractions), charged at the urgent fee of £27.40. Further treatment may need banded fees.
Why is it hard to access NHS dentists in some areas?
Workforce, contracts, and local capacity all play a role. In 2024/25, 40% of adults were seen by an NHS dentist over 24 months; that tells you demand still outstrips capacity in places like London.
Bottom Line
NHS dentistry is the best option if you want the best price for essential care —Band 2 at £75.30 for a filling or extraction is hard to beat. You can go for private if you want speed, flexibility, and cosmetic options. It gives you more choices with timing and materials, with costs that reflect appointment length, lab work, and specialist input. To make a smart move, choose a hybrid. That is NHS for the essentials, private for access, polish, and aesthetics.
Mint Dental Centre provide expert and affordable dental care in London. We offer a diverse range of dental treatments tailored to your unique needs. Our highly skilled team has expertise in providing effective treatment.
Call us today to make your smile pretty.