NHS vs private dentistry: what's the difference?

What NHS dentistry covers

NHS dental treatment covers the care that is clinically necessary to keep your mouth, teeth and gums healthy and free of pain. That includes check-ups, fillings, root canal treatment, extractions, and dentures or crowns where they are needed clinically.

• Charges are set in fixed national bands, so everyone pays the same for the same band
• Some people are exempt, including children under 18, students in full-time education under 19 and those on certain benefits
• Treatments done for cosmetic reasons, such as whitening or veneers for appearance only, are not covered

What private dentistry covers

Private dentistry covers everything NHS care does, plus a much wider choice of treatments, materials and appointment options. You can usually choose your dentist, book online, get longer or more flexible appointment times, and access cosmetic treatments.

• Cosmetic treatments such as whitening, composite bonding, veneers and clear aligners
• Implants, which are rarely available on the NHS
• Shorter waiting times and more appointment choice, including evenings and weekends
• The practice sets its own fees, so prices vary between practices

Waiting times and availability

NHS dental capacity varies a lot by area, and in some places it can be hard to find a practice taking on new NHS patients. Many NHS appointments are arranged by phone rather than through online booking. Private practices usually have more open diary space, and most let new patients book an examination online without registering first.

Can you use both?

Yes. Plenty of patients have a mixed arrangement: NHS care for clinical treatment and private care for cosmetic work, or a private dentist for check-ups because it is quicker to get an appointment. If you are registered as an NHS patient at one practice you can still see a private dentist elsewhere.

How to choose

• If your priority is low-cost essential care, look for practices that accept NHS patients and phone them to check they are taking on new patients
• If your priority is choice, speed or cosmetic work, compare private practices on treatments, photos and reviews
• Always check what a price includes, such as x-rays or follow-up visits
• Read each practice's reviews and clinician profiles before you commit

Common questions