The cost of treatment patients pay at the dentist will rise from the start of next month as part of a new increase across England. From April 1, 2026, dental charges will go up by an average of 1.7%.

The new fee change means the cost of band one treatment will rise 50p, from the current price of £27.40 to £27.90. Band one dental treatment covers routine, preventative, and diagnostic services, such as examinations, diagnosis, advice, x-rays, fluoride varnish, and fissure sealants.

Band two will increase £1.30, from £75.30 to £76.60. Band two treatment includes everything in band one, as well as fillings, root canal treatments, tooth extractions, sealants, denture adjustments, and advanced gum disease treatment.

• Doctor explains one food 'worse than smoking' and shares main cause of 'early death'
• NHS medicines that can mix badly with omeprazole as warning issued

Band three will increase by £5.40, rising from £326.70 to £332.10. Band three covers band one and band two, and additional treatments such as dentures, a fixed replacement for a missing tooth or teeth, braces, crowns, and restoring damaged teeth with inlays and onlays.

A statement on Parliament UK reads: "NHS dental patient charges provide an important revenue source for NHS dentistry and are typically uplifted on 1 April each financial year. We uplift the rate at the same point each year and for the 2026/27 financial year, the charges will be uplifted by approximately 1.66%, which is now a below-inflation increase. Dental patients will benefit from the continued provision that this important revenue supports."

The statement added: "We will continue to provide financial support to those who need it most through a range of dental charge exemptions". Patients remain exempt if they are:

• under 18, or under 19 and in full‑time education
• pregnant or had a baby in the previous 12 months
• being treated in an NHS hospital, and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (patients may have to pay for any dentures or bridges)
• receiving low-income benefits, or you're under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving low-income benefits.

Some dental treatments are free in certain circumstances. You do not need to pay if you're having stitches removed, your dentist has to stop bleeding from your mouth, for example, after a tooth extraction, and if your false teeth (dentures) need to be repaired, but if they cannot be repaired you'll have to pay for new ones.

The April 1 increase comes as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last month announced the government would be freezing prescription charges. He said: "No one’s health should be put at risk because they can’t afford medication.

"That’s why we’re freezing prescription charges for the second year in a row. There's more to do – but we are supporting families and putting money back in your pocket."

The increase in NHS dental patient charges has been slammed by the British Dental Association (BDA). The organisation described the fee changes as a "slap in the face".

Shiv Pabary, Chair of the British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee, said: "This hike is a slap in the face to millions on modest incomes. It won’t put a penny into a service on its knees.

"Patients will pay more, simply so Ministers can pay less. The Prime Minister claims he wants to 'put money back into voters' pockets'. He needs to explain these choices to the pensioners who will pay an extra fiver towards their next set of dentures."