Navigating NHS Dental Care in the UK: What You Need to Know in 2025

While pressure on the NHS might be stretching the service to the limit, there are changes on the horizon that should make care more accessible to more people. Many patients are choosing to supplement NHS care with private dental care, taking a hybrid approach that ensures they don’t miss out on essential care.

In this guide, we’re exploring the current state of NHS dental care in the UK and what you need to know to be able to access care in 2025. We’re answering some of the most common questions we hear from patients to help you to navigate this complex topic.

Can I still see a dentist on the NHS in the UK?

Yes, you absolutely can still see a dentist on the NHS in the UK. It might not be the dentist that is closest to you, and you might have to wait for an appointment, but dental care should still be available to those who want it.

To find an NHS dentist near you, you should start with this website. This will let you know which dentists are currently accepting new NHS patients.

How do I stay registered with my dentist?

Since there is so much pressure on NHS dentists at the moment, it’s important for them to regularly review their patient lists and make sure that they are up to date.

If you haven’t been to the dentist for a checkup for a while, there is a chance that you may have been removed from your dentist’s patient list. You’ll need to go through the process of registering again to be able to book appointments.

Once you are registered with an NHS dentist, the best thing you can do is to make sure you attend regular checkups as instructed, as this will keep your registration active.

What is included with NHS dental care?

You can access a wide range of treatments including preventative care and restorative care. There are no cosmetic treatments available on the NHS, so you’ll have to look for private care if you would like to explore treatments like teeth whitening or veneers.

Preventative care includes things like routine checkups, X-rays, a scale and polish (where clinically necessary), fillings, root canal treatment and extractions. Restorative care includes treatments like bridges, crowns and orthodontics (only available for teenagers).

If you would like to explore more treatments designed to improve the appearance of your smile, you’ll need to investigate private treatment, as this is not available on the NHS.

How much does NHS dental care cost?

NHS dental care is free for some patients who receive certain benefits. It’s also free for under 18s and pregnant women. Everyone else will pay a small fee for their treatment plan.

Fees are organised in bands, and you’ll pay once for the highest treatment band you have received.

Band 1 costs £27.40 and includes a routine checkup, X-rays, fluoride treatment, simple gum disease management and minor adjustments to dentures or braces.

Band 2 costs £75.30 and includes fillings, root canal treatment, extractions, sealants, adjustments to dentures, and more extensive management for gum disease.

Band 3 costs £326.70 and includes crowns, inlays, onlays, bridges, orthodontics and custom appliances for your mouth, such as a night guard.

If you need follow up treatment within 2 months, you’ll only pay once up to the highest level of treatment required. So, if you have a filling one month and pay £75.30 for this treatment, a follow up treatment with an X-ray within the next 2 months would not incur an additional fee.

Register as an NHS patient

If you’re looking for an NHS dentist in Coventry, get in touch today to register with Longfellow Road Dental. We are now accepting new patients, so you can access high quality NHS care in the heart of Coventry. We also offer private dental care, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds.