You want NHS dental treatment but do not fully understand the band system. Band 1, 2, 3 — what do they cover, what do they cost, and what counts as an emergency? Here is the clear guide.
NHS dental treatment in England is organised into three bands. Each band has a fixed charge that covers a specific set of treatments. You pay once per course of treatment, not for each individual item within that course.
Band 1 — £26.80
This covers your examination, diagnosis, and advice. If your dentist takes X-rays, that is included too. A simple scale and polish if needed falls under Band 1. This is the starting point — every NHS dental visit begins here.
Band 1 also covers treatment of sensitive teeth, temporary fillings, and extracting loose baby teeth. If your problem can be sorted at this stage, you only pay Band 1 price.
Band 2 — £73.50
This includes everything in Band 1, plus additional treatment. Fillings, extractions, and root canal work all fall into Band 2. If your dentist builds up a broken tooth with a filling, that is Band 2. Most routine restorative work sits here.
Band 2 also covers periodontal treatment — that is deep cleaning of your gums if you have gum disease. Your dentist will tell you if your treatment crosses from Band 1 to Band 2.
Band 3 — £319.10
This is the highest NHS band. It covers everything in Bands 1 and 2, plus complex treatments. Crowns, bridges, dentures, and inlays all sit in Band 3. If you need a crown made in a dental lab, you are likely looking at Band 3 charges.
Band 3 covers the laboratory fees for custom-made restorations. This is why it is more expensive — the lab work involved in a crown or bridge costs significantly more than a simple filling.
Emergency dental treatment
If you have a dental emergency — severe pain, significant bleeding, or trauma — you can access emergency NHS dental treatment. This is called Band 1 urgent treatment and costs £26.80. It covers temporary pain relief and emergency care to stop bleeding or infection.
Emergency treatment is meant to manage the immediate problem. Further treatment to fully resolve the issue may need a separate appointment and could move into Band 2 or Band 3.
What NHS does not cover
Cosmetic treatments are not available on the NHS. White fillings on back teeth, tooth whitening, and veneers are private only. If you want these, your dentist will discuss private options with you. NHS dentistry prioritises function and health over appearance.
Call 01323 723757 or book at www.meadsdental.com
Meads Village Dental Practice