nhs dentist first visit cost

NHS dental charges from 1 April 2024

The Department of Health and Social Care has announced the NHS dental patient charges uplift for 2024/25 .

From 1 April 2024, NHS dental treatment charges in England will rise by 4%.

The cost of your dental treatment depends on what treatment you need, it will either be Band 1, Band 2 or Band 3. NHS dental charges from 1 April 2024 will be:

• £26.80 for Band 1 course of treatment
• £73.50 for Band 2 course of treatment
• £319.10 for Band 3 course of treatment

Check if you’re eligible for free or reduced cost NHS dental treatment using the NHS eligibility checker at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/check .

If you’re not exempt from charges, you will only pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you need to go to the dentist more than once to finish it. Your dentist may collect this charge in instalments.

Contact Information

Helen johnston.

Media and Campaigns Officer

NHS Business Services Authority

[email protected]

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How to find an NHS dentist

Find out about NHS dental services, including how to find an NHS dentist and how much treatment costs.

Find a dentist

The  NHS service finder  on the NHS.uk website enables you to find local services, including dentists. You will need to contact the dental practice directly and check whether they are currently accepting NHS patients.

Common information requests

• What dental services are available on the NHS?
• Information about orthodontic treatments
• Information about NHS dental costs

Visit the NHS.uk website for more information about NHS dental services .

View more frequently asked questions

How much are NHS dental costs?

Everything you need to know about NHS dental treatment, finding a dentist and dental insurance.

This isn't a new issue, but it has been worsened by staff shortages — more than 2,000 out of the 24,000 dentists providing NHS care in England quit the health service last year.

Whether you're looking for a dentist and don't know where to start, or are wondering if you should pay for private care to beat the queues, here's everything you need to know about dental care in the UK.

What can I get on the NHS?

While medical care is free on the NHS, dental work is not for most adults. In England, treatments are split into three price bands:

• Band 1 costs £23.80 and covers procedures such as a scale and polish.
• Band 2 costs £65.20 and covers fillings and root canal work.
• Band 3 costs £282.80 and covers major work like crowns and dentures.

Wales has a similar banding system to England, but prices are slightly different. Meanwhile, in Northern Ireland and Scotland, patients pay 80% of the dentist's fee, to a maximum of £384 per course of treatment.

GHI Tip: Pregnant women or anyone who receives low-income benefits are exempt from NHS dental charges. Check the NHS website for more details.

Who gets free dental treatment on the NHS?

Whether you are entitled to dentistry on the NHS depends on your age and where you are in the UK.

In England , NHS dental care is free if you are under the age of 18; you are under 19 and in full-time education; you are pregnant or have had a baby in the last year; or if you are receiving low income benefits.

In Wales , the above also applies, but you do not have to pay for dental examinations if you are under the age of 25 or over the age of 60.

Anyone in Scotland can get a dental examination for free. Treatment is also free of charge if you are under the age of 26; if you are pregnant or nursing up to 12 months; or if you have certified exemption due to income.

You can get free dental treatment in Northern Ireland if you are under 18; aged 18 and in full-time education, pregnant or have had a child in the last year; or are on low-income benefits.

What's not available on the NHS?

The NHS offers essential treatment, but not cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and veneers, and white fillings are usually only available for front teeth.

However, you can combine NHS and private treatment. For example, you could have an essential scale and polish on the NHS followed by teeth whitening you pay for privately.

How do I find an NHS dentist?

The NHS find a dentist search tool will help you find a local dentist who provides NHS treatment, but check if they are accepting new patients. If you cannot find one near you, call NHS England on 0300 311 2233 or contact your local Healthwatch group.

To find an NHS dentist in Scotland, visit NHS Inform ; in Wales, NHS Direct ; and in Northern Ireland, use Health and Social Care Northern Ireland .

Is it worth paying for private dental care?

If you can't get an appointment with your existing NHS dentist, and you're prepared to pay, it is worth asking if they can see you as a private patient. Visit the Care Quality Commission website to find a full list of dentists locally, and What Clinic for reviews.

With no official guidelines on the cost of private dental treatment, prices can vary hugely. When we researched the cost of a white filling at a range of dentists in London, prices varied from £60 to £250!

Do I need dental insurance?

Most dental insurance policies usually cover the cost of routine NHS and private check-ups and treatments, but some are specific to NHS or private care only.

As with most insurance policies , the higher the excess, the less you'll pay for your yearly plan. There may also be an annual limit set on the cost of treatment covered (usually around £1,000). Other popular plans include:

• Capitation plans. These tend to be sold by dentists with a set monthly amount, to cover the cost of dental care over the year. The price will take into account the type of work you're likely to need doing, following an oral examination.
• General health cash plans. You'll pay a monthly fee that entitles you to have routine medical and dental expenses covered (up to a specified limit).

Before taking out insurance or a health cash plan, find out if your employer offers either of these as a workplace benefit.

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How to find an NHS dentist

You can find a dental surgery that's convenient for you, whether it's near your home or work, and phone them to see if there are any NHS appointments available.

You can search for an NHS dentist near you on this website.

Dental surgeries will not always have the capacity to take on new NHS patients. You may have to join a waiting list, look for a different dentist who is taking on new NHS patients, or be seen privately.

Once you find a dental surgery, you may have to fill in a registration form at your first visit, which is just to add you to their patient database. But that does not mean you have guaranteed access to an NHS dental appointment in the future.

Problems finding an NHS dentist

If you've been unable to find a dentist and you want to raise your concerns about this, contact your local integrated care board (ICB) .

Integrated care boards (ICBs) commission dental services in England and are required to meet the needs of their local population for both urgent and routine dental care.

If you're still not satisfied with the integrated care board's (ICB's) response, you can take your complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman .

Dental emergency and out-of-hours care

If you think you need urgent care, contact your usual dentist, if you have one, as some surgeries offer emergency dental appointments and will provide care if clinically necessary.

You can also contact NHS 111 , who can put you in touch with an urgent dental service.

Do not contact a GP, as they cannot offer urgent or emergency dental care.

When to contact NHS 111

You can get help from NHS 111 or NHS 111 online if you have:

• severe pain
• heavy bleeding
• swelling of your mouth, throat, neck or eye

Call 111 or use NHS 111 online .

When to go to A&E

Only visit A&E in serious circumstances, such as:

• injuries to the face, mouth or teeth
• severe or increasing swelling in your mouth, throat or neck, making it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak

Find your local A&E

If you're not sure whether you should go to A&E, contact NHS 111 online .

How much will I be charged?

The emergency dentist will only deal with your current dental problem and provide clinically necessary treatment to stop any pain.

An urgent dental treatment will be charged at Band 1 (£26.80), unless you're entitled to free NHS dental treatment .

If you're asked to come back for further treatment, this will be considered a separate course of non-urgent treatment.

If you're not entitled to free NHS dental treatment, you'll have to pay the relevant charge for the new course of treatment.

Ask the dentist what the treatment will cost or ask for a treatment plan .

Find out how much you'll pay for NHS dental treatment .

Page last reviewed: 13 April 2023 Next review due: 13 April 2026

Help with NHS dental costs

There are 3 standard charges for NHS dental treatment in England and Wales. Information on charges in Scotland is available at NHS Inform . 

You will pay only one charge even if you need to go to the dentist more than once to complete a course of treatment, but your dentist may collect this charge in instalments.

Some patients may be entitled to help towards their dental costs . 

NHS dental charges

There are 3 NHS charge bands:

The current charge is £26.80 in England and £20 in Wales.

Treatment covers:

• an examination, diagnosis and care to prevent problems
• if necessary, X-rays, scale and polish and planning for more treatment

The current charge is £73.50 in England and £60 in Wales.

Treatment covers:

• all necessary treatment covered by band 1
• treatment such as fillings, root-canal treatments or extractions (having teeth taken out)

The current charge is £319.10 in England and £260 in Wales.

• all necessary treatment covered by band 1 and 2
• more complicated procedures such as crowns, dentures or bridges

If you pay NHS dental treatment charges then find out that you’re entitled to free or reduced cost treatment, you can claim a refund. You must make your refund claim within three months of paying charges.

If you live in England

Download and print the HC5(D) form. The form tells you what to do.

In order to speed up your request for a refund, make sure that your email address is clearly entered on to the HC5(D) form, along with your name, address, date of birth, and bank or building society details. This will enable us to make the payment directly into your account.

HC5(D) dental charges refund form (PDF: 116KB)

You can also  order a form online  and we'll post it to you.

If you live in Scotland 

Download and print the Scottish HC5 form. The form tells you what to do.

HC5 – Scotland refund form (PDF: 80.5KB)

You can also get an HC5 from your GP practice or pharmacy. 

If you live in Wales

Call 0345 603 1108 (select the option for health publications) and ask for an HC5 form to be sent to you.

You might be able to get an HC5 from your Jobcentre, NHS hospital, GP practice, dentist or optician. 

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Resources for practices

• Dental patient exemption checking guide (191.57kB)

England: Help with health costs guides

• HC11 (156.63kB)
• HC12 (67.1kB)

Wales: Help with health costs guides

• Help with health costs in Wales (548.66kB)
• Help with health costs in Wales (in Welsh) (355.24kB)

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Registering with a dentist

• Understanding your dental treatment
• Dental treatment costs

Complaints process

If you have a dental problem you should, in the first instance always  contact the dental practice that you normally attend .

If you’re not registered with any dental practice then you should  read our advice on dental emergencies .

How do you know if you are an NHS patient?

Around 95% of people are registered for NHS dental care and treatment in Scotland. If you’re unsure, check your NHS registration status with the dentist you most recently attended for routine treatment.

NHS patients do not pay a regular fee or retainer to their dentist. There is also no charge for an examination.

If you’re registered with a dentist providing NHS dental care, your practice will be happy to discuss your treatment plan and costs with you before any work is carried out.

Urgent care prior to registration

Read about what to do if you aren’t registered with a dental practice but you need urgent dental treatment .

Registering with a NHS dentist

Not all dentists will take on new NHS patients so it’s important to ask them if they’re able to take you on as an NHS patient during your first contact with them.

Find an NHS dentist in your area or enquire with your local health board. It’s your responsibility to then register with the dentist.

Once you’ve found a dentist that is able to take you on as a new NHS patient, you’ll need to provide some information.

You’ll be asked for your name, address, date of birth and contact details. You’ll then be given an appointment for an enhanced clinical examination. The practice may put you on a waitlist to be registered until you’ve been seen for the enhanced exam, even if they do provide an emergency appointment.

You’ll be asked to complete a full medical history form before your appointment, so please ensure that you bring an up-to-date list of all medicines. This medical history will need to be completed annually.

At this stage you should be given all the relevant information you need about your dentist including:

• the dental services they provide
• who will carry out your dental treatment
• contact information and opening hours

If you want to register your child, you should do this at the same time you register yourself. You don’t have to wait until your child’s teeth grow in, you can register them as soon as they’re born.

You don’t need to pay a deposit for an appointment to register.

Access to a translator

If English is not your first language and a translation service would help you to attend the dentist, you can ask your dental practice for further support. As an NHS patient you are entitled to access translation service free of charge.

Attending the dentist if you have a respiratory illness

If you’ve been asked to attend a dental appointment in person, tell them about your symptoms or positive test.

Further information on coronavirus (COVID-19)

Deregistration

When you register with a dentist you’ll be registered for life, unless you or your dentist requests that your registration is withdrawn.

Your dentist must give you at least 3 months’ notice if they intend to withdraw your registration if you are a NHS patient.

Registration can be withdrawn immediately by the dentist due to violence, or behaviour causing the dentist and dental team distress or fear for their safety.  Registration removal can also happen with less than three months’ notice for reasons such as persistent non-attendance or failing to pay charges.  Removals with less than three months’ notice must be authorised by the Health Board and the patient should be advised of their de-registration in writing.

If you attend another dentist for treatment and don’t tell them you’re registered elsewhere, your registration will automatically transfer to that dentist.

What do you receive as an NHS patient?

Everyone is entitled to a comprehensive range of NHS treatment, advice and care you need to keep your teeth, mouth and gums as healthy as possible. Your dentist will explain which treatments are available on the NHS and which are private to allow you to make an informed decision about your treatment and to understand related costs.

Treatments that you can receive on the NHS include:

• root canal treatment
• preventive advice and treatment for gum disease
• orthodontic braces (according to strict criteria)
• extractions (tooth removal)
• dentures or false teeth

Cosmetic procedures will usually need to be paid for privately.

Childsmile programme

Dental practices can provide preventive care as part of the Childsmile programme for children up to 17 years of age. Maintaining good oral health depends on good diet, regular tooth brushing and intervention from the dental practice. The good habits and preventive care learned through the Childsmile programme need to be maintained in older children.

Preventive Care programme for adults

From 1 November 2023, you may notice that there are some changes to the way your NHS dental treatment is delivered. Based on NICE guidance, your dentist will determine how often you should have a NHS dental examination based on your treatment needs to ensure the best possible care. This may range from less than 6 months to every 2 years. If you are seen less often than 12 months then this is a sign of good oral health. It is important that you attend when recommended and don’t miss appointments.

Adults will continue to be offered a treatment plan which includes an extensive clinical examination. You’ll then receive any further treatments to manage and improve your oral health.

During your NHS dental examination you may be asked about any changes to your medical history, medication or any new allergies. You’ll also be asked about any changes you have noticed such as lumps, bumps or ulcers or if you are having any specific problems. You may also be asked if you smoke or drink alcohol, and if so, how much.

After they’ve established how your general health is, the dental team will do the following:

• examine your mouth including your teeth, gums and tongue
• advise you on how you can keep your mouth healthy
• explain any treatments you may need – if you do need dental treatment they’ll advise you of your options, including what treatments can be carried out on the NHS
• explain any treatment cost

During periods of time between dental examinations, if you have concerns about your oral health, particularly around any lumps, bumps or ulcers in the lining of your mouth, then you may wish to contact your dentist at the earliest opportunity and they will be able to see you sooner.

Your treatment plan

If you need treatment, your dentist will provide you with a treatment plan. A treatment plan is a document that helps to explain the treatment you need and what it will involve. It will also detail an estimate of how much the treatment will cost you. You may be exempt from NHS patient charges.

You can ask for a treatment plan whenever any treatment has been recommended for you. If you want to take a copy away with you, your dentist can arrange this. Ask a member of your dental team if you need help understanding your treatment plan.

Patient charges

From 1 November 2023, if you pay for your NHS dental treatment you may notice an increase in treatment charges. These increases are necessary to ensure that we are able to continue to provide NHS dental services and reflect the increase in cost of delivering the care required for patients.

Everyone in Scotland is entitled to free NHS dental examinations (including review examinations). For some patients all treatment is completely free.

Following a dental examination, the dentist will advise you of any treatment you require and the likely cost. They must also provide an itemised account, if requested.

As before, NHS patients who pay for their treatment pay 80% of the treatment costs. This continues to be capped at a maximum of £384 per course of treatment. Any costs over this maximum continues to be fully subsidised by the NHS. You will never pay more than £384 per course of treatment. The vast majority of patients will pay much less than this cost.

A dentist can ask for payment in advance. They can also charge a patient if they fail to attend for an appointment without giving due notice.

Who is entitled to free treatment on the NHS?

NHS treatment is free for:

• everyone aged under 26
• people who are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months
• those with certificated exemption from patient charge because of income or receipt of certain benefits

If you are exempt from patient charges during a course of treatment, tell the dentist and ensure that you bring the evidence with you.

Around 40% of all patients are exempt from paying a contribution towards the cost of their NHS dental care.

NHS Low Income Scheme

Others may be entitled to dental treatment at a reduced cost through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). The LIS helps towards some or all of the cost of NHS patient charges for those who are not automatically entitled to free treatment, who may have difficulty in paying. Help under the scheme is income-related and based on an assessment of each person’s ability to pay.

Read our help with health costs guide to find out if you are eligible for free or reduced cost NHS dental treatment.

What is prior approval?

Your dentist may inform you that they have to apply for prior approval before your treatment can be started. Dentists are required to seek approval from the NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) Practitioner Services, for certain treatments and/or treatment plans of high value. This process may take a little time and delay your treatment slightly.

Are all treatments available on the NHS?

Not all clinical procedures performed by dentists are available on the NHS. Procedures which are cosmetic or aesthetic in nature are usually only available privately. For example, white fillings, tooth whitening or dental implants.

Your dentist will be able to explain what treatment is and isn’t allowed on the NHS. If, for example, you wish to mix NHS and private treatment on the one tooth, such as an NHS root canal treatment with a private white filling, then this is allowed. Your dentist can provide you with an estimate of costs involved.

The following table sets out patient charges for common treatment items. The overall NHS fee paid will vary from patient to patient depending on the overall treatment plan require, but you will never pay more than £384 for a course of treatment.

Most patients with good oral health would require an examination, X-rays every so often and preventive advice.

Further information on treatment charges

Read information about how to make a complaint about treatment provided by a dentist under NHS arrangements .

This also explains the role of the Patient Advice and Support Service (PASS) in providing independent, free, accessible and confidential advice and support to patients, their carers and families about NHS healthcare.

If you have a complaint you should try to resolve it locally in the first instance either with your practice or through your health board. Each practice will have a complaints procedure. NHS Boards are responsible for overall provision of NHS general dental services in an area. They will act as an honest advisor between yourself and the dental practitioner.

Further information and contact details for each health board

You also have the right to take your complaint further if you feel necessary.

Dental complaints can be made to the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO), if you haven’t heard from a practice or health board after 20 working days.

After considering this process, you can raise any serious concerns with the General Dental Council (GDC). The GDC is the UK-wide statutory regulator for dental care professionals. Their main purpose is to protect patient safety and maintain public confidence in dental services. They:

• register qualified dental professionals
• set standards of dental practice
• investigate complaints about dental professionals’ fitness to practice
• work to ensure the quality of dental education

Further information about the role of the GDC

Source: Scottish Government - Opens in new browser window

Last updated: 19 April 2023

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Tell us your experiences of getting access to an NHS dentist

We would like to hear your experiences of NHS dentists and getting access to treatment in the area where you live

The government has this week announced a new NHS dentistry recovery plan after research revealed in December that four out of five dentists in England are not taking on new NHS patients.

The number of NHS dentists in England is at its lowest level for a decade, according to figures released last year by the British Dental Association. Some practices are reported to have removed patients from their NHS list during the pandemic who did not come forward for treatment.

We would like to hear your experiences of NHS dentists and getting access to treatment in the area where you live.

Have you or members of your family struggled to get access to a NHS dentist? Have you or members of your family been removed from the NHS list of a dentist? Have you paid to go private, or for members of your family to go private, and if so what costs did you face? Or did you seek treatment from another part of the NHS, such as A&E?

This Community callout closed on 15 February 2024.

You can see the article that included respondents to this callout here .

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Increased fees for NHS dentists

New payment system to expand services comes into force. 

NHS dental teams will receive increased fees under a new payment structure from 1 November to help them to provide a comprehensive range of NHS care and treatment.

Examinations will continue to be free for all patients, with pregnant and new mothers, those claiming certain benefits, and the under 26s remaining exempt from treatment charges – around a quarter of all adult NHS dental patients.

A new awareness campaign called Brush Up will help people know where to get information and help to meet the costs.

For dentists, the new fee structure will streamline payments, cut bureaucracy and give them greater authority over the treatments offered.

In line with guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), dentists will now also be able to advise patients on how often they need check ups based on their oral health, rather than everyone being seen every six months.

Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said:

“Our aim with this payment reform is to incentivise dentists to remain in the NHS, provide long term sustainability to the sector, and improve access for patients. Replacing the existing fees with a new improved set will allow dentists to provide a full range of NHS care and treatment, while those unable to pay will continue to get help.

“All patients will continue to receive free NHS dental examinations and I want to reassure those who are exempt from NHS dental charges – including children and young people under 26, and those on certain benefits – they will continue to receive free care and treatment. People on a low income are also eligible for support, details of which can be found on NHS Inform.”

Supporting the Brush Up campaign, Chair of the General Dental Council, Lord Toby Harris, said:

“It’s important that everyone knows what to expect from dental healthcare. Dental professionals across the UK understand that patients’ interests must come first.

“They also know that this principle is woven through their professional standards. Everyone should have confidence that the whole dental team will continue to prioritise patients’ interests.”

The Brush Up public information campaign will clarify NHS dental patient rights and what treatments are included under the NHS under the new reforms. Advertising will run for four weeks across press, radio and digital advertising channels from 31 October. Community engagement will include posters in pharmacies, GP surgeries, libraries and dental practices, all directing the public to further inform via scanning a QR Code or updated information on NHS Inform.

Anyone struggling to pay for their dental care should visit NHS Inform to check if they are exempt from NHS dental charges and view the support available.

For those not eligible for exemption but on a low income, financial support is available via the NHS low income scheme. Patients can apply for this support by completing a HC1 form. Paper copies can be picked up at community pharmacies, GP practices, Citizens Advice Scotland offices and Jobcentre Plus offices.

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What are the current costs of NHS treatment in Scotland?

There's no charge in Scotland for:

• NHS prescriptions
• NHS sight tests
• NHS wigs and fabric supports
• NHS dental treatment

In Scotland, you get free NHS dental check-ups, treatments, and appliances if you're aged 18 to 25.

NHS dental patients in Scotland pay 80% of the treatment costs including any x-rays, up to a maximum of £384.00.

You must speak to your NHS dentist to clarify the exact cost of your treatment.

Optical voucher values

Your optician will advise based on the strength of your optical prescription which voucher you're entitled to receive.

Single vision

• Voucher A - £39.10
• Voucher B - £59.30
• Voucher C - £86.90
• Voucher D - £196.00

Bifocal and varifocal vouchers

• Voucher E - £67.50
• Voucher F - £85.60
• Voucher G - £111.20
• Voucher H - £215.50

Hospital eye service vouchers

• Voucher I - £200.80
• Voucher J - £57.00 per lens

Complex vouchers

• Single vision - £14.60
• Bifocal - £37.40

You can be prescribed either:

• one optical voucher for bifocals or varifocals
• 2 single optical vouchers to cover a pair of reading glasses and a pair of distance glasses

You must discuss which of these options is appropriate for you with your optician.

Check what help you could get to pay for NHS costs and apply online .

Dentaly.org is reader-supported. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Tooth Implants on the NHS: Costs, Criteria, Availability & More

Can you get tooth implants on the NHS? Short answer: yes , but it's a complicated process. NHS patients in the UK can receive implants, but only under certain circumstances .

Tooth implants are a permanent, long-lasting option to replace missing teeth, but the costs involved in the UK make them unaffordable for many people. It's therefore unsurprising that so many Brits are wondering whether you can get tooth implants on the NHS, and if so, how to get them.

There is no need to worry about extensive research anymore. In this article, we'll cover the:

• Criteria for NHS tooth implants
• What you can do to increase your chances of being accepted

Tooth implants cost on the NHS

• Alternative ways to lower the price of this treatment

We hope that this article answers all the questions that you may have about getting tooth implants on the NHS.

Save the trip to your NHS dentist and speak to a certified dentist right now online . Visit JustAnswer to chat online with a qualified dentist and find out all the information you need – without having to take time out for a dental appointment.

Their dentists are based in the US and are available 24/7 to help you out!

Table of contents

• 1 Can you get tooth implants on the NHS?
• 2 NHS tooth implant criteria summarised
• 3 Tooth implants cost on the NHS
• 4 How to apply for tooth implants on the NHS
• 5 Other ways to fund your teeth implants
• 6 Alternative NHS treatments
• 7 Conclusion

Can you get tooth implants on the NHS?

Yes, the NHS offers tooth implants primarily to patients with a clear medical need. Patients must be prioritized according to their medical needs since implant treatment is expensive and there is only a limited budget to supply them.

For this reason, many people who would like NHS implants will not be eligible . It is then advised to rather settle for available dental treatments or opt for private dental care.

This guide , published by the Royal College of Surgeons in 2019, lays out the complete eligibility criteria for NHS-funded tooth implants. It is ,however, 20 pages long. If you're short on time, we summarised all the key points below .

You can watch the video below for an even shorter answer:

NHS tooth implant criteria summarised

The main patient groups who will be prioritised for dental implants on the NHS are as follows:

Patients with missing or malformed teeth because of inherited, genetic conditions

People with congenitally missing teeth (hypodontia) make up a significant proportion of NHS tooth implant patients. Those missing multiple teeth will be prioritised, while those with a single missing tooth may be offered a bridge instead. A cleft palate or lip can also result in missing teeth.

Other rare genetic conditions cause imperfections in tooth size, shape and structure too. These teeth may not be suitable to support a bridge or denture for other missing teeth or may need to be extracted.

Finally, people with inherited aggressive periodontitis often lose their teeth early in life. Once the condition is under control, they may be allowed to get implants.

Patients who have lost teeth because of trauma or an accident

This is another common reason that patients may be referred for NHS implants. Significant facial trauma can damage teeth, gum tissue and supporting bone, resulting in immediate or eventual tooth loss.

There's unfortunately no guarantee that you will be accepted for tooth implants on the NHS after trauma, as the guidelines still recommend exploring conventional tooth replacement methods first.

Patients who have lost teeth because of other medical treatments

People with head and neck cancer and certain other conditions may have to have teeth removed as part of their treatment. Additionally, chemotherapy is known to affect the salivary glands and this, in turn, may worsen existing tooth decay and other oral health problems.

In the case of tooth loss for any of these reasons, patients may be eligible for NHS teeth implants.

Patients who are missing all their teeth in one or both jaws and can't wear dentures

The guidelines acknowledge that edentulous patients (who have no teeth) in one or both jaws may have trouble wearing dentures because of changes to the shape of their jawbone.

T o be considered on this basis, the patient must first be assessed by an expert in restorative dentistry or prosthodontics. This expert will check that their dentures are technically a good fit, and confirm that all conventional options have been exhausted and deemed unsuccessful.

It is important to note that only patients who are physically unable to wear dentures will be considered.

There are some other categories, such as people with extremely dry mouths and those who need an implant as an anchor for orthodontic work. If you think you may be eligible on some other basis, you can enquire with your dentist to find out more.

Other considerations for eligibility

As well as meeting one of the criteria above, patients must satisfy certain other conditions before they will be considered for tooth implants on the NHS. They must:

• Be registered with a general dentist to receive regular checkups and ongoing care
• Have no untreated tooth decay, gum disease or failing restorations
• Comply with the care needed to maintain good oral hygiene
• Be a non-smoker

Smoking and tobacco use are known to increase the chances of complications and failure in tooth implants. If you have not smoked in over three months , you are more likely to be accepted as an implant candidate. But if you're found to be smoking during your implant treatment, it may be suspended until you quit again.

Your age may also influence whether you are accepted, and on what level of priority you are. Generally, implants won't be placed before the age of 18 because the face is still developing. There is no upper age limit for dental implants on the NHS, but your ability – both mental and physical – to care for your teeth in the future will be taken into consideration.

There are several reasons why patients can be denied eligibility. It may be because of a greater risk of complications or an inability to comply with oral care requirements.

Some of these reasons include:

• Poorly controlled diabetes
• Active bisphosphonate treatment
• Mental health issues
• Blood, bone and immunodeficiency disorders
• Poor dental health
• Bruxism (teeth grinding)

Do you have questions about your eligibility for implants? Visit JustAnswer to chat online with a qualified dentist and find out all the information you need – without having to take time out for a dental appointment. Their dentists are based in the US but are available 24/7 to help you out.

Can you get All-on-4 dental implants on the NHS?

The All-on-4 system uses just four implants to secure a full set of false teeth. This is a popular solution for people wanting to save money on full-mouth implants, but it is rarely offered on the NHS.

In the case of missing all your teeth in one or both jaws, you are more likely to receive denture implants on the NHS that secure an overdenture with only two implants. Your gums still bear some pressure when you bite down on the implants, but they keep the dentures in place securely.

NHS tooth implants are charged according to standard NHS dental fees . For some people, this means NHS dental implants are free. Others will have to pay fees of:

• £282.80 in England (the Band 3 treatment fee)
• £203 in Wales (the Band 3 treatment fee)
• £384 in Scotland and Northern Ireland (the maximum charge)

The good news is that fees apply per treatment course . Whether you need a single tooth implant or a full mouth, you'll pay the same.

Note that once your treatment is complete, you will be responsible for the cost of regular checkups and any follow-up treatment you may need. If you later need a replacement crown or one of your implants fails, there is no guarantee that the NHS will fund a replacement.

How to apply for tooth implants on the NHS

It's best to visit your usual NHS dentist for an initial assessment, after which they will refer you for a further assessment by the local facility providing the implants provided that you meet the criteria.

Some dental hospitals allow you to apply directly. However, since there is no centralised process for applying for NHS tooth implants, it's best to go via your dentist.

You can expect to wait several months between your initial referral and your next assessment. The waiting list for accepted candidates can take over a year. If you don't want to wait this long to replace your missing teeth , you'll need to consider private treatment.

It's worth noting that each local NHS Foundation Trust has its own guidelines for referrals. Although the criteria mentioned above are national guidelines, the exact requirements and exclusions in each area can vary. Each local area is subject to its own funding restrictions , too.

Other ways to fund your teeth implants

It will be necessary to look for ways to fund your own tooth implants if you're not eligible for them on the NHS.

Because of the high cost of implants in the UK – £2,300 each or more on average – a popular option is to look at travelling abroad for dental work . Countries like Turkey, Hungary and Spain have developed an excellent reputation for high-quality dental treatment at 50-70% less than you'd pay in the UK. Even factoring in the cost of flights and accommodation, it can mean a big saving; especially if you need costly treatment like All-on-4.

To find out more about how this works, you can visit Dentaly Go . Their dental tourism service puts you in touch with reputable dental clinics abroad that meet strict quality standards. Alternatively, fill in your details below to request a free quote.

For a more precise quotation, please provide any dental x-rays and medical records you have available. You can upload up to 3 files or photos.

We look forward to being able to help you save up to 70% on the dental care you need!

Travelling abroad still comes with its own risks. You can read our full dental tourism guide to learn more about the pros and cons.

If you'd rather stay closer to home, it's certainly worth getting quotes from a few different dentists , since there can be considerable variation between practices. Our cheap dental implants page has more tips for finding a good price. A loan or payment plan could also help make your treatment more affordable.

It may even be possible to get free dental implants by volunteering for a clinical trial or approaching a dental school, but these opportunities are unfortunately rare.

Alternative NHS treatments

People missing one, several or all of their teeth do have other options for NHS teeth replacements.

Dentures are the most common solution as they are relatively cheap and incredibly versatile. They can be used to replace any number of teeth and look quite natural. Some people do have problems wearing dentures, but often a reline or good denture adhesive can help them fit more securely.

There is also the option of a dental bridge to replace a single tooth or two in a row. This is a fixed, long-term restoration. TUnfortunately, some healthy enamel must be removed from the anchor teeth. If you're planning to get a tooth implant in the future, a bridge may not be the best option as you'll then need to crown the adjacent teeth.

These restorative solutions should be available to any NHS patients who need them, so they are much easier to access than teeth implants.

The simple way to know if you can get tooth implants on the NHS is to ask yourself this: Are you missing teeth for reasons beyond your control, like a medical condition or facial trauma? In this case, you may well be able to get NHS implants; you'll just have to be patient about going through the system.

If you need implants because of poor oral health in the past, you are less likely to be accepted as a candidate. Regular smokers are also highly unlikely to be considered. The best option is to consult your dentist about your eligibility.

Can you get free dental implants on the NHS?

Yes, the NHS offers free dental implants under certain circumstances, mainly to people who have a clear medical need. However, due to the strict eligibility criteria, many people unfortunately do not qualify.

What is the cost of tooth implants on the NHS?

NHS tooth implants are charged according to standard NHS dental fees. For some people, this means NHS dental implants are free. Others will have to pay fees of: £282.80 in England, £203 in Wales, £384 in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

All-on-4 treatment is a popular solution for people wanting to save money on full-mouth implants, but it is rarely offered on the NHS. In the case of missing all your teeth in one or both jaws, you are more likely to receive denture implants on the NHS that secure an overdenture with only two implants.

Royal College of Surgeons:  Guidance on the Standards of care for NHS-funded dental implant treatment 2019 . Consulted 28th January 2020

British Dental Journal:  The provision of dental implants: current practice among university and hospital specialists in restorative dentistry within the UK and Ireland . Consulted 28th January 2020

Royal College of Surgeons of England Annals: Does the Referral and Selection for NHS-Funded Dental Implant Treatment in the UK Follow National Guidelines? Consulted 28th January 2020

Journal of International Society of Preventive & Community Dentistry: Smoking and dental implants . Consulted 28th January 2020

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