Updated 17 April 2026
NHS Dental Charges in Wales 2026/27
Wales operates a different NHS dental system from England. In 2026, Wales uses a package-based model where patients pay 50% of the treatment package value, up to a maximum of £384 per course.
PATIENT CONTRIBUTION
50%
of package value
MAXIMUM PER COURSE
£384
cap per treatment course
UNDER-25 EXAMS
Free
for registered under-25s
The 2026 Welsh dental contract reform
Wales moved away from England's fixed three-band system to a package-based contract model. Under the new Welsh system:
- Your dentist plans a package of care based on your clinical needs
- The package has a total value
- You pay 50% of that package value
- Your maximum charge is capped at £384 regardless of package size
- Examinations are included in the package
This means Welsh charges are not fixed like in England. A patient needing only a check-up pays very little; a patient needing complex restorative work may pay more per package but is protected by the £384 cap.
Wales vs England: side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Wales | England |
|---|---|---|
| Charge structure | Package-based (50% of package value) | Fixed 3-band system |
| Examination charge | Included in package (very low for exam-only) | £27.90 (Band 1) |
| Filling charge | 50% of filling package value | £76.60 (Band 2) |
| Crown charge | 50% of crown package value, max £384 | £332.10 (Band 3) |
| Maximum charge | £384 per course | £332.10 per course |
| Under-25 exams | Free for registered patients | Not specifically exempt |
| Under-18 treatment | Free | Free |
| Emergency dental care | NHS 111 Wales route | NHS 111 England route |
Exemptions from NHS dental charges in Wales
The same UK-wide exemption categories apply in Wales. You pay nothing if you are:
- Under 18
- Under 19 in qualifying full-time education
- Pregnant or gave birth in the last 12 months (with Maternity Exemption Certificate)
- On Income Support
- On Pension Credit Guarantee Credit
- On qualifying Universal Credit
- An HC2 certificate holder
- A War Pensioner (for accepted disability treatment)
Additionally in Wales: under-25s registered with a Welsh NHS practice receive free dental examinations (though treatment charges still apply unless otherwise exempt).