NHS dental bands
What it really means
In England, NHS dental charges come in three fixed "bands": Band 1 covers check-ups, Band 2 covers fillings and extractions, Band 3 covers crowns and dentures. One band fee covers all the treatment in that course. Current prices are on the NHS website.
Context, tips & common mistakes
NHS dental charges in England come in fixed bands covering a whole course of treatment, not a fee per procedure — everything clinically needed within that course falls under the single band charge, which is why asking for the treatment plan and band before work starts is a fair and normal question. Check-ups sit in the lowest band; fillings and extractions higher; crowns and dentures higher still.
Exemptions exist — under-18s, pregnancy and the year after birth, and certain benefits — but ordinary adult students are not exempt, a common misunderstanding. Always confirm whether proposed work is NHS or private: practices can offer both, mixed billing must be transparent, and 'the NHS doesn't cover white fillings here' is exactly the sentence to interrogate before you are in the chair.