NHS vs Private Dentistry in 2026
Updated April 2026 • 7 minute read
CMA review 2026
The Competition and Markets Authority launched a review of private dentistry in March 2026, focusing on price transparency and consumer information. This guide reflects the current state of the market.
The NHS dental crisis in 2026
The NHS dental crisis in England has reached a critical point. According to the British Dental Association (2026), 13 million adults cannot access NHS dental care. In some areas, 97% of adults without an NHS dentist cannot find a new one.
The private dental market has grown significantly as a result. Private dentistry now accounts for approximately 69% of the UK dental market (up from 50% in 2023). Private dental plan prices have risen year-on-year: the average private check-up now costs £80 for a new patient, up 23% since 2022.
NHS dental costs in 2026 (England)
NHS dental treatment in England is organised into three charge bands:
| Band | Cost (April 2026) | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | £26.80 | Check-up, diagnosis, preventive care, urgent care |
| Band 2 | £73.50 | Band 1 + fillings, root canals, extractions |
| Band 3 | £284.70 | Band 1 + 2 + crowns, dentures, bridges |
NHS charges in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland differ.
Private dental costs in 2026 (approximate UK averages)
| Treatment | London | National average |
|---|---|---|
| Check-up | £75 to £100 | £60 to £80 |
| Hygienist/scale & polish | £80 to £110 | £60 to £80 |
| White filling | £130 to £200 | £100 to £150 |
| Crown | £800 to £1,100 | £650 to £900 |
| Root canal | £600 to £900 | £500 to £700 |
| Extraction | £180 to £250 | £140 to £200 |
Key differences: NHS vs private
NHS dentistry
- Subsidised fixed charge bands
- Long waiting times in many areas
- May restrict treatment options (e.g. amalgam fillings)
- Not cosmetic treatment
- Not hygienist services (typically)
Private dentistry
- Higher costs but no waiting lists
- Choice of materials (white fillings, etc.)
- Hygienist services available
- Cosmetic treatments available
- More appointment flexibility
Is it worth switching to private dentistry?
For many people, the decision to switch to private dentistry is now driven by necessity rather than choice — their NHS dentist is no longer accepting patients. For others, it is a lifestyle choice about quality, convenience, and access to hygienist services.
The good news is that private dental plans (from £8/month) can significantly reduce the unpredictability of private dental costs. A Denplan Care plan at around £17/month effectively gives you a fixed annual dental budget with no surprise bills.
Use our Dental Cost Calculator to estimate your private dental costs and compare with the cost of a plan.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an NHS dental check-up cost in 2026?
In England, an NHS check-up falls under Band 1, which costs £26.80 (April 2026). Band 2 (including fillings, root canals and extractions) is £73.50, and Band 3 (including crowns, dentures and bridges) is £284.70. NHS charges in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ.
Why is it so hard to find an NHS dentist?
The NHS dental crisis in England has reached a critical point — around 13 million adults cannot access NHS dental care, and in some areas 97% of adults without an NHS dentist cannot find a new one. As a result, private dentistry now accounts for roughly 69% of the UK dental market, up from 50% in 2023.
How much does private dental treatment cost?
Approximate 2026 UK averages: a private check-up is £60–£80 nationally (£75–£100 in London), a white filling £100–£150, a crown £650–£900, and a root canal £500–£700. London prices are typically 30–40% higher than the national average.
Is private dentistry better than NHS dentistry?
Private dentistry generally offers no waiting lists, a choice of materials such as white fillings, access to hygienist services, cosmetic treatment options and more appointment flexibility. NHS dentistry is cheaper through subsidised fixed charge bands but often has long waiting times and may restrict treatment options. For many people switching is now driven by NHS access rather than preference.
Can a dental plan reduce private dental costs?
Yes. Private dental plans from around £8/month reduce the unpredictability of private costs. A Denplan Care plan at around £17/month effectively gives you a fixed annual dental budget with no surprise bills, while health cash plans reimburse part of your treatment costs at any dentist.