NHS and private, side by side
The NHS charges three set prices. Ours start at the same three.
An NHS dentist in England charges one of three band prices for a course of treatment: £27.90, £76.60 or £332.10. Designer Smiles is a private practice in Solihull. Our examination is from £27.90, a small white filling from £76.60 and a crown from £332.10: each starting from the NHS band figure.
Below: what each NHS band covers and costs, what the same treatment costs here, who pays nothing on the NHS, and the questions people ask before they choose.
Band by band
NHS charges in 2026 beside Designer Smiles' prices
One NHS band charge covers a whole course of treatment, however many visits it takes; if you need more treatment in the same or a lower band within two months, there is nothing more to pay. Our prices are per treatment, from our published fee guide.
| Treatment | On the NHS in England | At Designer Smiles |
|---|---|---|
| Examination and advice | Band 1, £27.90 | From £27.90 |
| Urgent appointment | Band 1, £27.90 | £27.90 in surgery hours; £150 out of hours |
| Scale and polish | Band 1, when clinically needed | £76.60 with the dentist; a hygienist visit is £70 |
| Fillings | Band 2, £76.60 | Small white filling from £76.60; medium £170; large £250 |
| Tooth extraction | Band 2, £76.60 | Simple from £76.60; surgical from £250 |
| Root canal treatment | Band 2, £76.60 | From £550 for a front tooth to £850 for a molar |
| Crown | Band 3, £332.10 | From £332.10 |
| Dentures | Band 3, £332.10 | Acrylic from £332.10 per jaw; cobalt chrome from £950 |
| Bridge | Band 3, £332.10 | From £400 per unit |
| Teeth whitening | Not available on the NHS | £200 on the current offer, usually £400 |
| Invisalign | Not available on the NHS for adults | From £999 |
| 3D composite bonding | Not available on the NHS | £200 – £250 per tooth on the current offer, against the standard fee of £400 |
| Dental implant | Only in limited circumstances on the NHS | From £1,700, including the crown |
NHS charges from nhs.uk, read 18 September 2026. Designer Smiles prices from our fee guide; where a price says "from", the figure for your own tooth is confirmed at your examination before anything is done.
Why a private practice prices like the NHS
The same starting prices, without the NHS list
Designer Smiles was built to offer private dentistry with prices that start at NHS-equivalent levels. The examination, the fillings and the crowns that make up most people's dentistry start from what they would cost on the NHS; you simply book as a private patient, so you are not waiting on an NHS list to be seen.
What the band charges cannot buy is on the same fee guide: teeth whitening, 3D composite bonding, Invisalign and implants, each with its price published rather than quoted on the day.
If you qualify for free NHS treatment, the NHS is the cheaper route for what it covers, and we would rather tell you that than have you pay for something you could have had for nothing.
Free NHS treatment
Who pays nothing on the NHS
NHS dental treatment in England is free if, when the treatment starts, you are:
- under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education;
- pregnant, or have had a baby in the last 12 months;
- receiving Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, or Universal Credit with earnings under the limit;
- named on a valid NHS tax credit exemption certificate or an HC2 certificate.
An HC3 certificate, from the NHS Low Income Scheme, reduces what you pay rather than removing the charge. Age alone does not make treatment free: someone over 60 pays the band charges unless one of the conditions above applies.
Before you choose
The questions people ask about NHS and private prices
What does an NHS dentist cost in 2026?
In England you pay one of three band charges for a whole course of treatment: Band 1 is £27.90 (examination, advice, x-rays, a scale and polish if you need one), Band 2 is £76.60 (everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions), and Band 3 is £332.10 (everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures and bridges). An urgent NHS appointment is £27.90. If you need more treatment in the same or a lower band within two months, there is nothing more to pay.
Are you an NHS dentist?
No. Designer Smiles is a private practice. Our examination is from £27.90, a small white filling from £76.60 and a crown from £332.10, each starting from the NHS band figure, and every other price we charge is published in our fee guide. You book as a private patient, online or by phone, and you are not on an NHS list.
What is the difference between an NHS dentist and a private one?
The NHS pays for the treatment that is clinically necessary to keep your mouth healthy, at the band prices above. A private practice can also offer what the NHS does not, such as teeth whitening, composite bonding and Invisalign, and a wider choice of materials for the treatments both provide. At Designer Smiles the core treatments start at the NHS prices and the rest is priced openly.
Are dentists still taking NHS patients?
Some are and many are not; NHS capacity varies from town to town and month to month. The NHS's own Find a Dentist service on nhs.uk shows which practices near you are accepting NHS patients. If you would rather not wait, you can book with us as a new private patient, and our examination costs the same as an NHS Band 1 charge.
Am I legally entitled to an NHS dentist?
You are entitled to NHS dental care, but not to a place at a particular practice: unlike a GP, a dentist does not have to register you, and a practice with no NHS capacity can say so. If you are in pain and cannot find an NHS appointment, NHS 111 can direct you to urgent dental care.
What is the 2-year rule at NHS dentists?
There is no national rule, but many practices take a patient who has not attended for two years off their NHS list, so you would join again as a new patient if there is room. If you have been away from the dentist for a while, that is worth checking before you assume you still have a place.
How much does it cost to have a tooth out at an NHS dentist?
An extraction is Band 2, so £76.60 for the course of treatment. At Designer Smiles a simple extraction starts from £76.60 and a surgical extraction from £250; whether a tooth is simple or surgical to remove is a clinical judgement your dentist explains before anything is done.
How much is a crown, a root canal or dentures on the NHS?
A crown, dentures or a bridge is Band 3, £332.10. A root canal is Band 2, £76.60. Here a crown starts from £332.10, acrylic dentures from £332.10 per jaw, a bridge from £400 per unit, and root canal treatment is from £550 for a front tooth to £850 for a molar.
Do over-60s get free NHS dental treatment?
Not by age alone. NHS dental treatment is free if you are under 18, under 19 and in full-time education, pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months, or receive a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, income-related Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit within the earnings limit, or hold an HC2 certificate. An HC3 certificate reduces what you pay. If you qualify, the NHS is the cheaper route for the treatments it covers, and we would say so.
What if I can't afford a dentist?
On the NHS, the Low Income Scheme (HC2 and HC3 certificates) pays all or part of the charges for people on a low income. At Designer Smiles, our membership plans start at £10.62 a month and include your examinations, hygiene visits and 10% off treatment; the plans are set out in full on our costs page.
Where are you, and how do I book?
Designer Smiles is at 4 Manor Square, Solihull, B91 3PX. Book online, call 0121 709 3821, or email [email protected].
TESTIMONIALS
What our patients say
Issa S.
I very rarely write reviews but felt compelled in this instance because the service I received at this dental practice has been exceptional. I was treated by Dr Nisar Feroz and cannot recommend him highly enough. Thank you very much.
Jean D.
The receptionist and dental nurse are superb and the dentist was beyond excellent!
Jessica S.
Really lovely staff, bright and airy place and my teeth were super clean! If you’re walking down the high street turn at the end by masons and you will find it.
Michelle R.
Very rarely if ever I have know to go to a dentist and receive something for free I was utterly delighted the practice is well maintained, staff thoroughly efficient the most pleasant experience of my life in visiting a dentist thank you greatly.
Irfan S.
Quick efficient and through on service provided. Highly recommended.
Mohammed G.
Very efficient and tentative, great customer service.
Louise R.
Lovely staff, easy to make an appointment and overall nice dental practice.
Shimarun N.
Very quick appointment slot given and great service provided.
Heather W.
Friendly and professional service. Consultation very informative and lots of information given about results/expectations. Would highly recommend!
Shazia T.
Nice dental practice in a convenient location. Dental nurse was friendly and professional. Dentist was very good and took his time. Didn’t feel rushed. Booked in for further treatment.
Deborah P.
Very professional and relaxed atmosphere. Thorough examination and all options explained in detail. Highly recommended.
Sufian K.
Had root canal done here. Fantastic service from all staff cannot recommend highly enough. Very professional, hygienic and you leave the practice feeling you’ve got your moneys worth.
San A.
Excellent treatment, very friendly staff. Made me feel very comfortable throughout the treatment. Very convenient location, would highly recommend.
Kirsty Bean
I highly recommend this practice. The dentists 100 percent put you at ease. I am an anxious patient and I have received first class treatment. The dentists are kind and caring and you are in very safe hands. The reception staff are also lovely too. Glad I found you. Kirsty
Gillian Short
I am the worst dental patient due to a bad experience years ago. This dentist talked me thro the work I needed and supported me in taking it at a pace that I could manage. I literally can’t recommend her enough, I can’t say I am happy to go to dentist now but I am definitely nowhere near as anxious and I really appreciate her help in achieving this. If you are nervous of the dentist this is the dentist for you. A very kind, patient and helpful dentist
Tracey Hopkins
I had my teeth cleaned today plus a filling. I honestly hadn’t been to the dentist for years but was forced to get treatment for a broken tooth. The dentist was first class and his lovely assistant. I walked in with trembling legs and sweaty palms through pure fear. Despite my extreme fear the dentist and his assistant were truly amazing. The first dentist I have had faith in. Teeth are gleaming white and no broken tooth. Well done and keep up the excellent work. I will not hesitate to recommend you 😂 Tracey hopkins
Athina Grigoras
I am super scared of dentists, if I could I would never go to a visit. But one thing I am sure : Dr. Nisar Khan has made me feel so comfortable and good that even if my heart is still pumping about to explode, he manages to make a joke or two, making me laugh, distracts my mind and always extremely careful. I would recommend from the bottom of my heart his clinic. Extremely careful, polite, funny, empathic, the best dentist I had so far 🙂
