What’s the difference between NHS and private dentistry?
Learn about the differences between NHS and private dentistry
| - Treatment options | - Length of appointments | - Eligibility |
| - Cost of services | - Availability | - Seeing the same dentist |
Find out the differences between NHS and private dental care, including the treatments available, length of appointments and who is eligible.
Treatment options
NHS
On the NHS, you can have treatments and services considered clinically necessary for your oral health. This includes check-ups, emergency appointments, X-rays and extractions, and restorative treatments such as fillings, crowns and dentures.
There are some treatments that typically aren’t available on the NHS because they’re carried out for cosmetic reasons, such as teeth whitening and composite bonding.
Dental implant treatment is available on rare occasions if they’re needed for medical reasons. Find out more about dental implants on the NHS.
Braces are available on the NHS for children under the age of 18, however, they must qualify for treatment and will typically be added to a waiting list. Children’s eligibility is assessed by an orthodontist, using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). This grades patients by their dental concerns and need for treatment for health and aesthetic reasons.
Private
As a private patient, you can have general check-ups, fillings, and hygiene appointments, and access a wider suite of services, such as cosmetic services. These include teeth whitening, veneers, composite bonding and white fillings for cosmetic reasons. You can also access more complex services, such as dental implants and a range of orthodontic systems. Smile makeovers are also available, where your clinician will develop a bespoke treatment plan, combining treatments to deliver your ideal smile.
Please note: this photo was taken before the COVID-19 outbreak and social distancing rules.
Length of appointments
Regular NHS dental check-ups can take on average 10-15 minutes, but it could take longer if there’s an issue requiring treatment. Other dental services, such as hygiene appointments and treatments, take different amounts of time.
You’ll usually get more time in the chair with a private dental check-up. At Bupa Dental Care, these often take 20 to 30 minutes, but this can differ depending on your individual needs.
Please note: this photo was taken before the COVID-19 outbreak and social distancing rules.
Eligibility
NHS dental care is available to everyone in the UK, for treatments clinically necessary for your oral health. And if you fall into certain groups, it’s available free of charge.
These include patients under 18, patients under 19 and still in full-time education and those who fall under NHS exempt criteria. This includes pregnant women and new mothers who gave birth in the last 12 months.
Anyone can have private dental care. There’s no contract or membership required and you don’t need insurance. Just ask your local dentist about becoming a private patient.
Cost of services
NHS
If you aren’t eligible for free NHS dental care, the cost is subsidised by the government.
In England and Wales treatments fall into a three-tier pricing system and in Scotland, you’ll need to pay 80% for your treatment’s cost. See more information on NHS dental costs by region here.
Private
Private care is generally more expensive than NHS care, but you can access a wider range of services.
Prices can vary between practices, speak to your practice for more information.
Availability
Dental practices won’t always have capacity to see new NHS patients. You may need to join a waiting list or be seen privately. Each practice that offers NHS appointments has a contract with the NHS to provide an agreed amount of NHS dental treatment. When there is no NHS availability you will often find private appointments available, because dentists can choose to offer their services privately. Often private appointments offer greater flexibility, including some evenings and weekends.
Seeing the same dentist
Typically, NHS patients won’t always see the same dentist. Although, some dentists work exclusively with NHS patients, meaning you might see the same clinician each time. If you’d rather be seen by the same dentist, then private dental care may be suitable.
As a private patient, you can choose the private dentist you would like to visit and see the same dentist each time.
Can you mix NHS and private dental treatment?
Yes, if you are an NHS patient, and would like a treatment that’s not available on the NHS, you can opt to pay privately for the procedure. Speak to your dentist to find out more.
Contact your local practice
If you’re interested in joining your local practice, or would like to talk about your options, find your nearest practice below, and get in touch.
Bupa Dental Care is a trading name of Oasis Dental Care Limited. Registered in England and Wales No: 00478127. Registered office: Bupa Dental Care, Vantage Office Park, Old Gloucester Road, Hambrook, Bristol, United Kingdom BS16 1GW.
Oasis Dental Care Limited has a number of trading names including Bupa Dental Care. For a list of all our different trading names please follow this link.
