NHS treatments

nhs scotland

NHS dentistry is based on clinical need and is available to all patients.

  • Basic examination FREE* to everyone
  • Extensive clinical examination FREE* to everyone
  • Two small X-rays
 £5.44
  • Simple gum treatment(scale & polish)
 £12.36
  • Small amalgam (silver) filing
 £8.44
  • Large amalgam (silver) filing
 £21.60
  • Root canal treatment (front tooth)
 £45.52
  • Single crown (front tooth)
 £81.92
  • Simple extraction (one tooth)
 £7.76
  • Complete (upper and lower) dentures
 £171.04

You pay 80 per cent of the cost of the treatment up to a maximum of £384 if you can’t get free treatment or help with the cost. The above are only examples of what you might pay for courses of treatment that start on or after 1 December 2021. For ALL treatment charges consult the Statement of Dental Remuneration.

The total cost of NHS treatment may be different from these examples.  You may ask your dentist for a treatment plan. This is provided free of charge and explains what treatment your dentist recommends and includes the price for each part of the treatment, and the likely total cost.

* To people who are ordinarily resident in the UK or who belong in one of the categories for exemption from NHS charges set out in the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) (Scotland) Regulations 1989.

You can get FREE NHS dental treatment if, when the treatment starts, you are:

  • aged under 18;
  • aged 18 and in full-time education;
  • pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months.

Or, if when the treatment starts or when the charge is made:

  • you are getting or your partner gets;
    • Income Support
    • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
    • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
    • Pension Credit Guaranteed Credit
    • Universal Credit WITHIN the monthly income thresholds (These thresholds are subject to change)
  • you are entitled to, or named on, a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate;
  • you are named on a valid HC2 certificate issued under the terms of the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Partial help:

  • if you are named on a valid HC3 certificate you might get some help towards the cost of your NHS dental treatment.

To claim your entitlement, tell your dentist when you have your treatment that you think you don’t have to pay. Your dentist will ask you for evidence that you don’t have to pay and ask you to sign a form.

Our receptionist will be able to assist should you have difficulty in accessing information.