Can visa holders use NHS dental services?

Yes. If you have paid the immigration health surcharge as part of your visa application, you can access NHS dental services on the same terms as a UK resident. You pay the standard NHS dental charges but are not charged as a private patient.

How much does NHS dental treatment cost?

NHS dental treatment in England is charged in three bands in 2026: Band 1 (examination, X-rays) is approximately £26.80, Band 2 (fillings, extractions) is approximately £73.50, and Band 3 (crowns, dentures, bridges) is approximately £319.10. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have different charging structures.

How do I find an NHS dentist?

Use the NHS Find a Dentist tool on the NHS website. Call dental practices in your area to ask if they are accepting new NHS patients. You can also call NHS 111 for help finding a dentist. Be prepared for waiting lists, as NHS dental places are limited in many areas.

What if I cannot find an NHS dentist?

If no NHS dentist is available, contact NHS England (or the equivalent body in Scotland, Wales, or NI) who can help find you a place. You can also use private dental services, though these are significantly more expensive. In a dental emergency, NHS 111 can direct you to emergency dental services.

Finding an NHS Dentist as a Visa Holder

Visa holders who have paid the immigration health surcharge can access NHS dental services at standard rates. Finding an NHS dentist can be difficult due to limited capacity. This guide covers costs, how to find a dentist, and alternatives.

NHS Dental Entitlement

If you have paid the immigration health surcharge, you can access NHS dental services. You pay the same charges as any UK resident. Unlike GP services, NHS dental care is not free at the point of use (unless you qualify for exemptions).

For more on your overall NHS entitlements, see our dedicated guide.

NHS Dental Charges

In England, dental treatment is charged in three bands:

Band 1 (~£26.80): Examination, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish
Band 2 (~£73.50): Fillings, root canal treatment, extractions
Band 3 (~£319.10): Crowns, dentures, bridges

In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, charges are different. In Wales, dental examinations are free. In Scotland, charges follow a different structure with a maximum cap.

Finding an NHS Dentist

Use the NHS Find a Dentist tool
Call practices directly to ask if they are accepting NHS patients
Call NHS 111 for help finding a dentist
Ask at your GP surgery or local pharmacy for recommendations

Be aware that many areas have long waiting lists for NHS dental care. Registering as soon as you arrive in the UK is advisable.

Exemptions from Charges

You may be exempt from NHS dental charges if you:

Are under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education)
Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
Are receiving certain benefits or on a low income (HC2/HC3 certificate)

Apply for help with costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Dental Emergencies

If you have a dental emergency (severe pain, swelling, bleeding), call NHS 111. They can direct you to an emergency dental service. A&E departments do not typically treat dental problems unless there is a risk to life (such as severe infection with breathing difficulty).

For more on emergency healthcare, see our guide on emergency care for visa holders.

Private Dental Care

If you cannot find an NHS dentist, private dental care is available but more expensive. A private examination can cost £50 to £150, and treatments can cost several hundred pounds. Some dentists offer payment plans.

Dental insurance is available from providers like Denplan, though it may not cover pre-existing conditions. The cost of dental care should be factored into your overall living costs budget.

After Citizenship

Once you become a British citizen, your dental entitlement remains the same. NHS dental charges apply to everyone in England regardless of citizenship. The key benefit is that you no longer pay the immigration health surcharge.