NHS Band 1 Dental Charge
Examination, diagnosis and prevention
Band 1 charge
£27.90
Previous year: \u00a327.40
What Is Included in Band 1?
Band 1 is the entry level of NHS dental treatment in England. It covers everything your dentist needs to diagnose the health of your teeth and gums, plan any further treatment, and carry out basic preventive care. Think of it as the diagnostic and prevention band - your dentist examines, investigates, and advises.
Clinical examination
A thorough check of your teeth, gums, and soft tissues including screening for oral cancer. Your dentist will assess the health of existing fillings, crowns, and other dental work.
Dental X-rays
Periapical X-rays (close-up of individual teeth) and panoramic X-rays (full mouth overview) as clinically required. Not every visit needs X-rays - your dentist decides based on your history and risk factors.
Scale and polish
Removal of calculus (tartar) and plaque from your teeth. Only provided if clinically necessary - not as a routine cosmetic clean. This is the most commonly misunderstood aspect of Band 1 treatment.
Fluoride varnish
A concentrated fluoride treatment applied to your teeth to strengthen enamel and reduce decay risk. Particularly recommended for children and adults at higher risk of tooth decay.
Fissure sealants
Protective plastic coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth, mainly for children. Seals the natural grooves where decay commonly starts. A highly effective preventive treatment.
Preventive advice
Personalised guidance on brushing technique, flossing, diet, and other factors affecting your oral health. Your dentist or dental nurse should discuss this at every check-up.
Treatment planning
If you need further work (fillings, crowns, etc.), your dentist will create a written treatment plan explaining what is needed, which band it falls under, and the cost. You should receive this before treatment starts.
Specialist referrals
If your dentist identifies a problem that needs specialist treatment (such as suspected oral cancer, impacted wisdom teeth, or complex orthodontic needs), the referral itself is covered under Band 1.
Small repairs
Minor repairs to dentures or orthodontic appliances (such as a broken wire on a brace) that can be completed in a single appointment without laboratory work.
The Scale and Polish Myth
Many patients book an NHS check-up expecting to leave with sparkling clean teeth after a thorough scale and polish. In reality, NHS dentists are only funded to provide a scale and polish when it is clinically necessary - meaning there is a genuine build-up of calculus or plaque that could lead to gum disease.
If your dentist examines your teeth and finds that your gum health is good with no significant tartar build-up, they are not required to provide a scale and polish. This is not the dentist being lazy or cutting corners - it is the clinical guidelines they must follow under the NHS contract.
If you want a thorough clean regardless of clinical need, you have two options: ask your NHS dentist whether they offer a private hygienist appointment (typically \u00a345 - \u00a375), or book directly with a dental hygienist in your area.
Regular brushing with a fluoride toothpaste (at least twice daily) and daily flossing or interdental brushing are the most effective ways to keep your teeth clean between appointments. An electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor can make a significant difference.
What Pushes You to a Higher Band?
If your check-up reveals that you need treatment beyond diagnosis and prevention, your dentist will recommend a higher band. Here is what triggers each upgrade.
| Treatment needed | Band | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Filling (amalgam or composite) | Band 2 | £76.60 |
| Root canal treatment | Band 2 | £76.60 |
| Tooth extraction | Band 2 | £76.60 |
| Gum disease treatment | Band 2 | £76.60 |
| Crown | Band 3 | £332.10 |
| Bridge | Band 3 | £332.10 |
| Dentures (new) | Band 3 | £332.10 |
| Orthodontic appliance | Band 3 | £332.10 |
Remember: you always pay the highest band needed. If you need a check-up, a filling, and a crown in the same course of treatment, you pay one Band 3 charge of \u00a3332.10 - not three separate charges.
How Often Should You Have a Check-up?
Your dentist determines how often you need a check-up based on your individual risk level, following guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The recommended interval ranges from 3 months to 24 months depending on factors including your age, oral hygiene, diet, history of dental problems, and whether you smoke.
The common belief that everyone should visit the dentist every six months is not based on clinical evidence. Many adults with good oral health and low decay risk can safely extend their recall interval to 12, 18, or even 24 months. Conversely, people with active gum disease, high sugar diets, or a history of frequent cavities may need to be seen every 3 to 6 months.
Children and young people under 18 are generally seen more frequently, with intervals of 3 to 12 months recommended by NICE. This is because children's teeth change rapidly and early detection of problems leads to simpler, less invasive treatment.
NICE recall intervals
Adults: 3 to 24 months based on risk. Children: 3 to 12 months. Your dentist should explain why they have chosen your specific interval.
Band 1 vs Private Check-up
A private dental check-up typically costs between \u00a350 and \u00a380, compared to the NHS Band 1 charge of \u00a327.90. On price alone, the NHS option saves you between \u00a322 and \u00a352 per visit.
However, there are important differences. A private check-up often includes a guaranteed hygienist clean (worth \u00a345-\u00a375 separately), longer appointment times, and a more detailed discussion of cosmetic options. Some private practices use intraoral cameras and digital imaging to show you exactly what is happening in your mouth.
The biggest practical difference in 2026 is availability. With around 91% of NHS dental practices not accepting new adult patients, many people simply cannot access a Band 1 check-up even if they want to. If you cannot find an NHS dentist, a private check-up may be your only realistic option.
For a comprehensive comparison of NHS and private dental costs across all treatment types, see our NHS vs Private guide.
Band 1 Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an NHS dental check-up in 2026?
Do I always get a scale and polish at an NHS check-up?
What is included in an NHS dental X-ray?
How often should I have an NHS dental check-up?
Explore Other Bands
Band 2 - £76.60
Fillings, root canals, extractions
Band 3 - £332.10
Crowns, dentures, bridges
Free Treatment
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Looking for scale and polish prices? DentalCleaningCost.com