Private vs NHS Dentist in London: Costs and Differences

The main difference between a private and an NHS dentist in London is how the fee is set and what it covers. NHS dentistry in England charges a fixed amount for each course of treatment, and covers care that is clinically necessary. Private dentists set their own fees, and can offer a wider choice of treatments, materials and appointment times.

Neither option is automatically better. Which one is right for you depends on what you need, how soon you need it, and what you want from your appointment. This guide sets out the facts, so you can decide for yourself.

Key takeaways

• NHS charges in England are fixed in three bands, set per course of treatment. The current amounts are on nhs.uk.
• Private fees are set by each practice, so prices and what is included vary. Always ask for a written, itemised quote.
• NHS care covers what is clinically necessary. Cosmetic treatment and some materials are normally private.
• You can see an NHS and a private dentist, and some practices offer both. Ask for the type of appointment you want when booking.

How NHS dental charges work

In England, you pay one charge for each course of NHS treatment, whatever the number of visits. The charge depends on the band your treatment falls into, and the NHS publishes the current amounts on nhs.uk. We do not quote them here, because they change. Charges in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ, so this article describes England only.

If your treatment includes items from more than one band, you pay for the highest band only. If you need more treatment within two months in the same or a lower band, there is no extra charge. Some people do not pay at all: for example, anyone who is pregnant or has had a baby in the past year, and children under 18, as well as those who receive certain benefits. [CONFIRM: check the current exemption list on nhs.uk before publishing]

One point catches people out. If a dentist thinks scaling is not clinically necessary, it must be paid for privately, and some treatments, such as non metal crowns, may be offered on a private basis. Always ask what you are being charged for.

How private dental fees work

Private dentistry has no national price list. Each practice sets its own fees, which is why a crown in one clinic can cost very different amounts from another. This makes it important to compare like with like. A useful quote should say what is included, such as the examination, any images, laboratory costs, a temporary crown and follow up appointments.

Here is how some of our own private fees compare with the NHS band for the closest treatment. Check nhs.uk for the current NHS charge. Please note that the comparison is not exact, because the NHS band covers a treatment that is clinically necessary and the materials, appointment lengths and choice may differ.

A £50 refundable deposit is taken when you book and returned when you attend. Our full list of private dental fees is online. [CONFIRM: that fees are current]

Other NHS charge rules worth knowing about

Some details matter when you are budgeting. Treatment is charged per course, not per visit, so a complicated treatment plan involving several appointments still attracts a single charge, as long as it falls within the same course. Replacing a lost or damaged denture or appliance can carry its own charge under NHS rules, and the NHS website explains when. You should also be told what you are being charged for before treatment starts.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each run their own charging systems. If you live in London, the English rules apply, and that is what this article covers.

What if you have a dental emergency?

If you are in pain, have a swelling, or have broken or lost a tooth, you need advice quickly. You can contact a dentist, or call NHS 111 for advice. NHS urgent treatment has its own charge, listed on nhs.uk. Private practices set their own emergency fees. At Maida Smiles, an emergency appointment, which includes a prescription and periapical X rays, is £99. [CONFIRM: that the £99 fee is current]

How to compare private dental quotes

Because there is no standard price list, it pays to ask the same questions of every practice you consider.

• What does the quote include, and what is excluded?
• Is the quote written down and itemised?
• Is the examination charged separately, and what does it cover?
• What materials are being used and why?
• Are there follow up appointments, adjustments or repairs, and are they included?
• How long will treatment take, and who will carry it out?
• What are the payment options?

If a price looks surprisingly low, check what has been left out. If it looks high, ask what is behind it. A good practice will be glad to explain.

Common situations: which route tends to suit?

A routine check up and clean. Either route works well, if you can get an appointment. The NHS covers an examination and simple scaling in Band 1 where clinically necessary.

A filling or extraction. Both are available on the NHS under Band 2 when clinically necessary. A private route may offer more choice of materials and quicker appointments.

A crown, bridge or denture. NHS Band 3 covers these when clinically necessary. A private route offers more choice of materials, such as non metal crowns.

Cosmetic treatment. Whitening, veneers, composite bonding and similar treatments are generally private. An examination is a good starting point if you want to discuss what is possible.

Why does private dentistry cost more?

Practices commonly point to the costs of running a clinic in London, including rent, staffing, equipment and laboratory fees. Appointment length is another factor, as private appointments are often longer. There is also a choice element: private care lets you choose materials, technology and cosmetic options that the NHS does not fund.

It is fair to say these explanations come from practices themselves rather than from official data. If a price looks high, ask what is behind it. A good dentist will explain without hesitation.

Price transparency matters in any private market. That is why we publish our fees online rather than asking you to call for a quote, and why we would like every patient to see an itemised written plan before treatment begins.

Access: seeing an NHS dentist in London

Finding an NHS dentist can be hard, and many people tell us they struggled to get an appointment. Availability varies a great deal from one borough to the next, and it changes over time, so check with practices near you rather than relying on a general figure.

The NHS says you can contact any NHS dental practice to ask about appointments, use its Find an NHS dentist tool, or contact your local integrated care board. You may be placed on a waiting list. Some practices offer both NHS and private appointments, and the NHS advises asking specifically for an NHS appointment when you book.

You do not have to choose one system for life. You can see an NHS dentist for routine care and a private dentist for something the NHS does not offer. Just be clear about which you are booking.

What does private care offer that the NHS does not?

• Choice of treatment. Cosmetic options such as veneers, whitening and composite bonding are generally private, as are some materials and technologies.
• Appointment times and length. Private practices may offer evening or Saturday appointments and more time with your dentist. We are open until 8pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and on Saturdays.
• Continuity. Many patients see the same dentist each time, though this is not guaranteed in either system.
• Treatment planning. You can usually have a full plan with costed options before any treatment begins.

None of this means NHS care is poor. NHS dentists deliver high quality treatment that is clinically necessary. The difference is mostly in the scope, choice and convenience.

Regulation and quality

All dentists in the UK, whether NHS or private, must be registered with the General Dental Council. Dental practices in England are registered with the Care Quality Commission. The practice is registered with the Care Quality Commission and its clinicians with the General Dental Council, as shown in our website footer. If you ever need to raise a concern, a practice's complaints procedure is the first step.

How to pay for private dental care

Private dental treatment can be expensive, but there are ways to spread the cost. Treatment over £250 at Maida Smiles can be paid for over 12 months at 0% finance, and longer terms may carry interest. The options are explained in more detail under dental finance. Many private health insurers are accepted, so check your policy, and see our details on health insurance.

How to choose between private and NHS

Ask yourself a few honest questions.

• What do I need? Routine check ups and fillings are well suited to either. Cosmetic work, certain materials and some complex treatments are usually private.
• How soon do I need it? If you cannot get an NHS appointment, waiting may not be sensible for pain or infection.
• What is my budget? A clear written quote helps you compare.
• What matters most to me: price, choice, convenience or continuity?

If you are unsure how often you should be seen, our check ups in Maida Vale are a good start, and your dentist will advise how often you need to come back. If you are looking at private options across the city, you can also see what we offer as a dentist in London.

A quick guide to deciding

None of these is a rule. They are starting points for the conversation with whichever dentist you choose.

Common myths about private and NHS dentistry

• "Private dentists are always better." Not so. Both are regulated, and quality depends on the individual dentist and practice, not on who pays.
• "NHS dentists do less work." NHS dentists provide the care that is clinically necessary. The difference is mostly in what is covered and in choice.
• "I have to register with one practice." The NHS advises contacting a practice to ask about appointments, and you may be placed on a waiting list.
• "Private means expensive for everything." Costs vary by treatment. Some, such as a check up, are modest, while others, such as complex restorative work, are significant.

What to expect at your first private appointment with us

Your first visit starts with a full examination, which is £110 for new patients. We look at your teeth, gums, bite and any concerns, take images if they are needed, and talk through what we find. You leave with a written plan that sets out the options, the likely costs and a sensible order of treatment. There is no obligation to go ahead.

To reserve your appointment, a £50 refundable deposit is taken at booking and returned when you attend. [CONFIRM: that the examination fee and deposit are as stated]

Booking a private appointment in Maida Vale

We are a private practice at 207 to 209 Sutherland Avenue, London W9 1RU, two minutes from Maida Vale tube station. A new patient dental examination is £110 and gives you a full assessment and a written plan with costs. You can find out more about the practice in our section on dentists in Maida Vale.

Private vs NHS dentist FAQs

Is a private dentist better than an NHS dentist?

Not necessarily. Both are regulated and trained to the same standards. The difference is in the choice of treatments, appointment times and how fees are set.

How much more does a private dentist cost?

It depends on the treatment and the practice. For example, an NHS crown falls under the highest NHS band at a fixed charge shown on nhs.uk, while our private crowns start from £950. We would encourage you to ask for itemised quotes and compare what is included.

Can I see an NHS dentist and a private dentist?

Yes. Many people do. Make sure you ask for the right type of appointment, as some practices offer both.

Do I need to register with an NHS dentist?

You contact a practice and ask whether it is accepting NHS patients. You may be placed on a waiting list. The NHS recommends using its Find an NHS dentist service.

What does NHS dentistry not cover?

Cosmetic treatments are generally not available on the NHS, and some materials and options may be offered privately. Ask your dentist what is covered.

Who gets free NHS dental treatment?

Examples include children under 18, people who are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, and those receiving certain benefits. Check nhs.uk for the full list.

Can I use private health insurance for dental treatment?

Some policies contribute to dental costs, and Maida Smiles accepts many insurers. Check your cover and contact us for advice.

Thinking about private dental care in Maida Vale? Book a new patient examination at Maida Smiles or call 020 3583 9809.