This is guidance based on published HSC Northern Ireland rates and policy. For charges specific to your treatment, speak to your dental practice or contact the Business Services Organisation (BSO) for NI.

Updated 17 April 2026

HSC Dental Charges in Northern Ireland 2026/27

In Northern Ireland, NHS dental is called HSC (Health and Social Care). The charge structure uses an 80%-of-package-value model with a £384 maximum per course, similar to Scotland.

PATIENT CONTRIBUTION

80%

of treatment package value

MAXIMUM PER COURSE

£384

maximum charge per treatment course

Understanding HSC dental charges in NI

Unlike England's fixed band system, Northern Ireland charges are calculated as 80% of the total treatment package value. This means the charge varies depending on what treatment is included in your course.

The maximum you will pay for any one course of HSC dental treatment is £384. Complex treatment involving crowns, dentures, and multiple procedures is still capped at this amount.

Exempt patients (children, pregnant women, benefit recipients) pay nothing regardless of the package value.

How NI compares with other UK nations

FactorN. IrelandEnglandScotland
System nameHSCNHSNHS
Charge model80% of packageFixed 3 bands80% of package
Examination80% of package£27.90 (Band 1)Free
Maximum charge£384£332.10£384
Under-26 free careNo specific policyNo specific policyYes - all free
Under-18 free careYesYesYes
Emergency route111 NI111 EnglandNHS 24 (111)

Exemptions from HSC dental charges in Northern Ireland

Children under 18
Under-19s in qualifying full-time education
Pregnant women (with Maternity Exemption Certificate)
Women who gave birth in the last 12 months
People on Income Support
Pension Credit Guarantee Credit recipients
Qualifying Universal Credit recipients
HC2 certificate holders

Finding an HSC dentist in Northern Ireland

To find an HSC dental practice:

Frequently asked questions

What is HSC dentistry in Northern Ireland?
In Northern Ireland, NHS dental care is provided through the Health and Social Care (HSC) system rather than the NHS. The charge structure is similar to Scotland: patients pay 80% of the treatment cost, capped at a maximum per course. The services are equivalent to NHS dentistry in England, Wales, and Scotland.
How much does HSC dental treatment cost in Northern Ireland?
In Northern Ireland, patients pay 80% of the treatment package value, up to a maximum of £384 per course of treatment. Dental examinations are also charged at this rate. Exempt groups (children under 18, pregnant women, people on qualifying benefits) pay nothing.
Who gets free HSC dental treatment in Northern Ireland?
The same categories as in England: children under 18, under-19s in qualifying full-time education, pregnant women and new mothers (within 12 months of birth), hospital patients treated by a hospital dentist, people on Income Support, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, qualifying Universal Credit, and HC2 certificate holders.
How do I find an HSC dentist in Northern Ireland?
Contact the Business Services Organisation (BSO) for Northern Ireland at hscbusiness.hscni.net or call the Patient Client Council. You can also search nidirect.gov.uk for local HSC dental practices. As in other UK nations, many practices have closed lists for new adult patients in 2026.
How does Northern Ireland differ from England for dental charges?
England uses a three-band fixed charge system (Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10). Northern Ireland uses an 80%-of-package-value system with a £384 cap, similar to Scotland. The practical difference is that NI charges are proportional to treatment complexity rather than fixed band amounts.

Compare with other nations

England (Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10)Wales (50% package, £384 cap)Scotland (free exams, under-26s free)Free treatment eligibility