Is Dental Treatment Free for Children in the UK?

And are paediatric dentists more expensive?

When it comes to children’s dental care, many parents are unsure what is covered by the NHS, whether they need to pay privately, and whether a paediatric (children’s) dentist costs more than a general dentist. The answer depends on where you live in the UK, the type of treatment required, and whether you choose NHS or private care.

Is dental treatment free for children in the UK?

NHS dental care for children

Across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, NHS dental treatment is free for children under 18 (and under 19 if in full-time education).

This usually includes:

• Dental check-ups
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Extractions
• Preventive treatments (for example fluoride varnish and fissure sealants)
• Oral health advice
• Emergency dental treatment

If your child is registered with an NHS dentist, you should not be charged for these services. However, there are a few practical realities to understand.

1) Access to NHS dentists can be limited

In some areas (particularly parts of England), it can be difficult to find an NHS dental practice accepting new child patients. So while treatment is free, access can be the main challenge.

2) Orthodontic treatment (braces)

Orthodontic treatment is free on the NHS only when your child meets clinical criteria (based on the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need). If the case is considered mild or mainly cosmetic, it may not be funded.

Private orthodontics can be expensive, so if braces are likely, it’s worth asking your dentist early whether an NHS referral is appropriate.

3) Cosmetic treatments are not covered

The NHS generally does not fund cosmetic dental treatment such as tooth whitening, cosmetic bonding done purely for appearance, or veneers (unless there is a clinical reason).

What about Scotland and Wales?

Scotland and Wales often have strong preventive programmes for children and may have different local access patterns. Even so, some families still choose private care for convenience, shorter waiting times, or specialist support.

Are paediatric dentists more expensive?

What is a paediatric dentist?

A paediatric dentist (a specialist in paediatric dentistry) is a dentist who has completed additional specialist training focused on treating children, including those with complex needs or severe anxiety. They often deal with cases like extensive decay, dental trauma, special care dentistry, and treatment requiring sedation.

Costs under the NHS

If your child is referred to a paediatric specialist within the NHS, the treatment is still free. Referrals are more common when a child needs complex care, sedation, treatment in hospital, or has additional medical needs.

Private paediatric dentists

If you choose to see a paediatric specialist privately, the cost is usually higher than routine private dentistry. That’s because specialist appointments are often longer, may include advanced behaviour management, and sometimes involve sedation services.

Private fees vary widely, but often include charges for:

• Specialist consultation
• Treatment (fillings, extractions, etc.)
• Sedation where required
• Hospital-based care (in some cases)

In short: yes, private paediatric dentists are generally more expensive than a general dentist, because you are paying for specialist-level expertise and extended care.

When might parents choose a private paediatric dentist?

Common reasons include:

• Difficulty finding an NHS dentist accepting new children
• Long waiting times for NHS referrals
• Severe dental anxiety or previous traumatic experiences
• Need for longer, calmer appointments in a child-only setting
• Quicker access to sedation options

Is a general dentist enough for most children?

For most children, a good general dentist can provide everything needed: check-ups, prevention, simple fillings, monitoring tooth development, and advice on brushing and diet. A specialist is usually needed only for complex cases, extreme anxiety, trauma, or additional medical needs.

Dental anxiety and options

Children with dental fear may benefit from gradual confidence-building and behavioural techniques. Some children may be offered inhalation sedation (often called “happy gas”) or referred to specialist services. NHS access to these services can involve waiting lists, so families sometimes choose private care.

Hidden costs to consider

Even if NHS treatment is free, there can be indirect costs such as time off work, travel to hospital clinics, multiple appointments, and parking. Private care can reduce waiting time, but the fees can be significant.

Prevention matters most

Many dental problems in children are preventable. The biggest protections are:

• Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Limiting sugary snacks and drinks
• Regular dental visits from an early age
• Preventive treatments such as fluoride varnish when offered

Key takeaways

• NHS dental care is free for children under 18 (or under 19 in full-time education) across the UK.
• Access can be difficult in some areas, even though treatment is free.
• NHS orthodontics is free only if clinical criteria are met.
• Paediatric dentists are specialists for complex or high-anxiety cases.
• NHS referrals to paediatric specialists are free; private specialist care is usually more expensive.
• Prevention at home and regular check-ups are the best way to avoid complex treatment.