Discover the difference between NHS and private treatment costs with Shenstone Dental

Why People Are Thinking About Switching

You're here like some dental patients are finding it harder to access NHS appointments, Shenstone Dental are in a period of high demand and we wanted to offer all of our registered patients the best range of options. Some patients have faced long waiting times, limited availability for routine check-ups, or sometimes delays for more complex treatments. According to the British Dental Association, more than 90% of NHS dentists say current NHS targets are unsustainable. This has led to reduced capacity and a shift in how some patients think about their options.

In response, more people are exploring private dental care—not necessarily for luxury, but for reassurance, flexibility, and access. Here's the April 2025 figures from the NHS:

Understanding NHS Dental Charges in England

NHS dental care in England is structured into fixed price bands. These charges apply whether you’re visiting your usual NHS dentist or accessing emergency treatment. As of 1 April 2025, the standard fees are:

These charges increased slightly from the previous rates, which were in place until 31 March 2025. For example, a Band 1 check-up rose from £26.80 to £27.40, and a Band 3 denture appointment increased from £319.10 to £326.70. While the NHS still provides good value for essential treatment, understanding these bands helps you make informed decisions—especially when comparing NHS and private care costs.

For those considering alternative options, private dental clinics such as Shenstone Dental offer a wider range of services, appointment flexibility, and personalised care plans. If you're comparing treatment costs, you can view their full fee list and explore available finance options designed to make dental care more accessible without upfront strain.

Source: NHSBSA: Dental charges from 1 April 2025

What's Actually Different With Private Dentistry?

Private dentistry offers greater freedom in how care is delivered. Appointment times tend to be longer, giving both patient and dentist more time to talk, plan, and complete treatments thoroughly. You may also find more choice in treatment options, including the latest materials and technologies not available on some NHS services".

Clinics that offer private care often provide extended opening hours, including evenings or weekends, to fit around work or family commitments. Cosmetic procedures like whitening, adult braces, and veneers are usually only available privately, and patients can access treatments without needing to meet NHS eligibility criteria first.

Real Patients, Real Confidence

One of the most common things we hear from new patients is: “I didn’t know private care could feel this relaxed.” For many people, it’s not about the procedure itself—it’s about being listened to, having enough time in the chair, and understanding exactly what’s going on with their treatment. These are simple things, but they matter.

Patients who feel anxious or embarrassed often tell us they’ve put off going to the dentist for years. It’s more common than you might think. Life gets busy, family comes first, and before you know it, your routine appointments have slipped. The thought of returning can feel daunting—especially if you worry about being rushed or judged.

"We often see patients who haven't been to the dentist in years—private care gives them the confidence to return without fear of being rushed."

Private care gives space. Longer appointments allow us to take things at your pace, answer questions thoroughly, and build trust one step at a time. There’s no ticking clock, and you won’t be made to feel like a number in a queue. It’s about restoring not just oral health—but confidence, comfort, and control over your wellbeing.

Many patients value the continuity of seeing the same dentist at each visit. This consistency builds familiarity, which is especially important for those managing ongoing treatments, cosmetic plans, or dental phobia. Knowing who you’ll see, and what to expect, helps remove the unknowns that cause stress.

The Care Quality Commission highlights that patients consistently value three things from their dental provider: continuity, clear communication, and compassion. Private care, by design, is often structured to deliver these pillars with consistency and care. Source: Care Quality Commission: What to expect from your dental provider

Many private practices also invest in the latest diagnostic equipment, from digital X-rays to intraoral cameras that let you see exactly what your dentist sees. This technology not only improves accuracy but helps you understand your treatment options more clearly.

Costs Explained Without the Fear Factor

NHS care is priced in bands, while private treatment costs vary depending on the procedure. Think of it like choosing a mobile phone contract: NHS care gives you a standard package at a fixed cost, but private care offers a tailored plan based on what you need, when you need it.

For example, a private check-up may cost between £30 and £60, while more advanced treatments—such as crowns or root canals—can range from £300 to £1,000 depending on complexity and materials. Many practices now offer payment plans or finance options, helping to spread the cost over several months.

What You Still Get on the NHS (and What You Don't)

The NHS continues to offer essential dental services for both adults and children. This includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, dentures, and emergency treatment if clinically necessary. Children under 18 are entitled to free NHS dental care, and priority is given to patients with urgent health needs.

However, NHS funding does not usually cover purely cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, some types of adult orthodontics, or white fillings on back teeth. For example, a patient wanting braces to close a small gap, or someone preferring a natural-looking white filling on a molar, would need to explore private care options. Due to high demand and limited capacity, not all patients can access regular routine care through the NHS, especially in areas with fewer dental providers.

Source: NHS Dental Services Overview – NHS.uk

Who Benefits Most From Going Private?

Some patients find private care especially helpful at different life stages or for specific needs. Parents may choose private orthodontics for their children if NHS waiting lists are long or if a particular aesthetic outcome is preferred. Adults with cosmetic goals—such as straightening, whitening, or restoring teeth—may feel more in control of their options in a private setting.

Older adults who need dentures, implants, or ongoing periodontal care often benefit from continuity and flexibility that private clinics can offer. For many, it's about comfort, convenience, and peace of mind rather than cost alone.

The decision often comes down to your individual circumstances and priorities. Some patients start with private care for urgent needs and then maintain ongoing relationships for routine care. Others use private services for specific treatments while continuing NHS care for general maintenance.

What matters most is finding a dental team that understands your needs, communicates clearly about costs and options, and makes you feel comfortable throughout your treatment journey.

What Dentists Say About the Switch

We spoke to a local dental professional about why some patients decide to go private:

Choosing private dental care is a personal decision, shaped by your health, lifestyle, and what matters most to you. It's not about rejecting the NHS—it's about understanding your options and choosing what suits your situation best.

Your dental health matters most. Private care might not be for everyone—but for those seeking more control, consistency and comfort, it's worth exploring.

Why People Are Thinking About Switching

Across England, many dental patients are finding it harder to access NHS appointments. Some have faced long waiting times, limited availability for routine check-ups, or delays for more complex treatments. These challenges aren't just anecdotal. According to the British Dental Association, more than 90% of NHS dentists say current NHS targets are unsustainable. This has led to reduced capacity and a shift in how some patients think about their options.

In response, more people are exploring private dental care—not necessarily for luxury, but for reassurance, flexibility, and access. Understanding the differences can help you make an informed decision that suits your needs and your family.

What's Actually Different With Private Dentistry?

Private dentistry offers greater freedom in how care is delivered. Appointment times tend to be longer, giving both patient and dentist more time to talk, plan, and complete treatments thoroughly. You may also find more choice in treatment options, including the latest materials and technologies not always available on the NHS.

Clinics that offer private care often provide extended opening hours, including evenings or weekends, to fit around work or family commitments. Cosmetic procedures like whitening, adult braces, and veneers are usually only available privately, and patients can access treatments without needing to meet NHS eligibility criteria first.

Many private practices also invest in the latest diagnostic equipment, from digital X-rays to intraoral cameras that let you see exactly what your dentist sees. This technology not only improves accuracy but helps you understand your treatment options more clearly.

Costs Explained Without the Fear Factor

NHS care is priced in bands, while private treatment costs vary depending on the procedure. Think of it like choosing a mobile phone contract: NHS care gives you a standard package at a fixed cost, but private care offers a tailored plan based on what you need, when you need it.

For example, a private check-up may cost between £30 and £60, while more advanced treatments—such as crowns or root canals—can range from £300 to £1,000 depending on complexity and materials. Many practices now offer payment plans or finance options, helping to spread the cost over several months.

What You Still Get on the NHS (and What You Don't)

The NHS continues to offer essential dental services for both adults and children. This includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, dentures, and emergency treatment if clinically necessary. Children under 18 are entitled to free NHS dental care, and priority is given to patients with urgent health needs.

However, NHS funding does not usually cover purely cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening, some types of adult orthodontics, or white fillings on back teeth. Additionally, due to high demand and limited capacity, not all patients can access regular routine care through the NHS, especially in areas with fewer dental providers.

Source: NHS Dental Services Overview – NHS.uk

Who Benefits Most From Going Private?

Some patients find private care especially helpful at different life stages or for specific needs. Parents may choose private orthodontics for their children if NHS waiting lists are long or if a particular aesthetic outcome is preferred. Adults with cosmetic goals—such as straightening, whitening, or restoring teeth—may feel more in control of their options in a private setting.

Older adults who need dentures, implants, or ongoing periodontal care often benefit from continuity and flexibility that private clinics can offer. For many, it's about comfort, convenience, and peace of mind rather than cost alone.

The decision often comes down to your individual circumstances and priorities. Some patients start with private care for urgent needs and then maintain ongoing relationships for routine care. Others use private services for specific treatments while continuing NHS care for general maintenance.

What matters most is finding a dental team that understands your needs, communicates clearly about costs and options, and makes you feel comfortable throughout your treatment journey.

Prescription Prepayment Certificates and Dental Prescriptions

Many people collect their prescription after dental treatment and expect their prepayment certificate to apply. In the pharmacy queue, it’s easy to assume that one NHS service connects seamlessly with another.

The Prescription Prepayment Certificate supports general NHS prescriptions, such as those issued by a GP or clinic, however, dental prescriptions follow a separate framework, with a distinct charge applied at the point of collection. In Lichfield, England, this dental prescription cost is currently £9.90 per item.

This charge reflects the way NHS dental care is organised and recorded which means that the billing process may follow a different route entirely. Even when the care setting feels familiar, the form looks the same, the prescription is valid, yet the classification alters the outcome at the pharmacy.

Shenstone Dental understand how important it is to explain the full journey, including the next steps beyond the chair and our bright lights. The payment processing distinction often feels subtle but becomes clear during treatment recovery as the pharmacy experience is part of that journey. This is why we feel that clear information helps patients feel steady throughout .. Not just on your feet, but in your wallet too!

Clarity in healthcare empowers patients to make confident, informed decisions. Costs matter, especially when they are connected to comfort and restoration. The best care experience includes time for questions, explanation, and confidence around each stage of treatment. If you are ever unsure, speak to your dental team before collecting your medication, and chat during your time in the chair. We're all here to help. Every practice understands that supportive care includes financial understanding. We’re always happy to offer guidance with clarity, warmth, and honesty.

Your dental health matters most. Private care might not be for everyone—but for those seeking more control, consistency and comfort, it's worth exploring.