A guide to NHS dental treatment costs in Northern Ireland, based on the published Statement of Dental Remuneration. Always request a written estimate from your dentist.
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Each category covers a range of procedures. The cost shown reflects the lowest and highest NHS fee within that category.
Source: NI Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR). Fees are updated periodically by the Department of Health.
Examination
£6.74 – £10.13
Ranges from a basic exam to an extensive examination with full charting.
X-rays (Radiographs)
£3.44 – £19.58
From a single periapical to a full-mouth series or panoramic (OPG).
Scale & Polish
£10.93 – £21.86
Depends on extent of cleaning needed — simple polish to deep scaling.
Fillings
£7.51 – £37.39
Varies by material (amalgam or white composite) and size (1-surface to complex).
Root Canal Treatment
£40.26 – £84.72
Front teeth are at the lower end; molars (with more canals) cost more.
Extractions
£24.42 – £53.69
From a straightforward extraction to a surgical removal (e.g. impacted wisdom tooth).
Crowns
£86.08 – £92.46
Metal crowns (back teeth) to porcelain/white crowns (front teeth).
Dentures
£77.14 – £152.98
From a small partial denture to a full upper and lower set.
Other
FREE
Repairs to existing dentures are free on the NHS.
Cost Summary
You Qualify for Free Treatment
Based on your exemption status, you may not pay NHS dental charges. Please confirm with your dentist.
NHS Fee Range£0.00
Your Estimated Cost (80% of NHS fee)£0.00
Maximum Charge (per course of treatment)£384.00
This calculator is a guide only — not a quote. The cost ranges shown are based on the published Northern Ireland Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR) and reflect the lowest and highest NHS fee codes within each treatment category. Fees are updated periodically by the Department of Health and may change. Your actual charge will depend on the specific procedure your dentist carries out, the complexity of treatment, and your individual clinical needs. Always ask your dental practice for a written estimate before starting any course of treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are NHS dental costs calculated in Northern Ireland?▼
You pay 80% of the NHS fee for each item of treatment, up to a maximum of £384 per course of treatment. The fee for each procedure is set out in the Northern Ireland Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR), published by the Department of Health.
For example, if your course of treatment involves a root canal (£85 NHS fee) and a crown (£92 NHS fee), the total NHS fee is £177. You pay 80% — that's £142. If the 80% total ever exceeds £384, you pay £384 and no more for that course of treatment. Always ask your dentist for a written estimate before treatment begins.
Why are costs shown as ranges?▼
The NI Statement of Dental Remuneration contains many individual fee codes within each treatment category. For example, "fillings" covers everything from a small single-surface amalgam to a large multi-surface white composite — each with a different fee. Similarly, an extraction could be a straightforward removal or a complex surgical procedure.
We show the lowest and highest published fee within each category so you get a realistic range. Your dentist will know the exact fee codes for your treatment plan — always ask for a written estimate before starting a course of treatment.
What is the £384 maximum charge?▼
£384 is the most you can be charged for any single course of NHS dental treatment. If your 80% patient contribution adds up to more than £384, you simply pay £384 and no more for that course of treatment. Your dentist should always tell you the expected cost before starting.
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