{"id":1311,"date":"2015-12-21T14:02:20","date_gmt":"2015-12-21T13:02:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/uk\/?page_id=1311"},"modified":"2025-04-08T19:42:19","modified_gmt":"2025-04-08T18:42:19","slug":"dental-insurance-guide","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.dentaly.org\/en\/dental-insurance-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"UK Dental Insurance Comparison: How to Choose the Best Dental Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"

Are you seeking the best dental insurance in the UK? While the NHS offers basic coverage, private dental insurance companies can provide additional benefits which are more affordable than you think.<\/p>

In this guide we will delve into the differences between NHS and Private Dental insurance, covering the various levels of protection available and comparing the top dental insurance providers in the UK for 2024.<\/p>

By the end of this article, you will have all of the information you need to help you make your decision on the best dental insurance to suit your needs.<\/p>

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Do Brits really need private dental insurance?<\/h2>
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Is dental insurance in the UK really worth it?<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

Unlike some other developed countries, we have a healthcare system which offers subsidised dental care to all residents. But whereas seeing an NHS doctor is free, most adults still have to pay to visit an NHS dentist.<\/p>

There are four main reasons why you might opt for private dental cover:<\/p>

  1. You don’t live near an NHS dentist or can’t find one that’s accepting new patients<\/li>
  2. You have had a bad experience with an NHS dentist and would prefer the extra level of care from a private dentist<\/li>
  3. Your preferred treatment isn’t available on the NHS (for example white fillings or Invisible aligner braces<\/a>)<\/li>
  4. Your teeth are in bad condition and frequently require treatment<\/li> <\/ol>

    If your teeth are in great condition and you rarely need treatment, there may be no financial argument for personal dental insurance. However, it will still offer peace of mind if your teeth deteriorate or you need emergency treatment, for example for an oral abscess<\/a>.<\/p>

    NHS dental charges<\/h3>

    Let’s first be clear about what NHS dental treatment costs<\/a> if you use the NHS, as this will then help you work out how much it’s worth paying for a private dental plan in the UK.<\/p>

    In England and Wales, charges are banded according to the treatment you receive. The following charges apply for 2019\/20:<\/p>

    Charge Band<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    Charge<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    Treatments Included<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr>

    In England<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr>

    Band 1<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    £23.80<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    Examination, diagnosis and advice. X-rays and scale & polish included if needed. Any emergency treatment.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr>

    Band 2
    <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    £65.20<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    Fillings, root canals and tooth extractions.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr>

    Band 3
    <\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    £282.80<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    Crowns, dentures, bridges and other complex treatment. Braces may be included if needed for medical reasons but cosmetic treatment is not covered.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr>

    In Wales<\/strong><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr>

    Band 1<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    £14.70<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    Examination, diagnosis and advice. X-rays and basic scale & polish included if needed. Any emergency treatment.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr>

    Band 2<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    £47.00<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    Advanced scale & polish. Fillings, root canals, tooth extractions, and other oral surgery.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr>

    Band 3<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    £203.00<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td>

    Crowns, dentures, bridges and other complex treatment. Orthodontic treatment and custom-made appliances like sports guards.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><\/div>

    Each band includes the treatments covered by lower bands, and only one charge is applied for each treatment. So if you need an x-ray and two fillings, for example, you will just pay the band 2 charge once. If you come back in another month or two for unrelated treatment, you will have to pay again. This is why it may work out cheaper – or comparable in cost – to visit a private dentist using your insurance.<\/p>

    \"best
    If you want a white molar filling you will need private dental coverage in the UK<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>

    In Scotland and Northern Ireland<\/a> there are fixed charges based on the work carried out, but they are still subsidised and capped.<\/p>

    Free dental care is provided for under-18s; those aged 18 and in full-time education; and pregnant and nursing mothers.<\/p>

    Note that NHS treatment only provides amalgam fillings<\/a>, which are grey or silver in appearance, unless it’s on a visible front tooth . If you would like a white composite filling you will need to pay for private treatment<\/strong> – but dental health insurance can help with the cost of this.<\/p>

    Orthodontic braces are available on the NHS to teenagers and some adults, but the only choice will be traditional metal braces. Less noticeable styles, such as lingual braces, are only available privately. Our guide to braces for adults<\/a> has some approximate prices for private orthodontic treatment.<\/p>

    Trouble finding an NHS dentist<\/h3>

    It’s no secret that finding an NHS dentist in some parts of the country is hard work, as this Channel 4 piece shows.<\/p>

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