How Much Is a Dentist Check-Up in London?

If you are booking a dental check-up in London, you will find a considerable difference between NHS and private fees.
However, there is no single “London price” for a dental examination.

NHS dental charges are fixed across England, so an NHS check-up costs the same in London as it does elsewhere in England.
Private dentists set their own fees, so the cost depends on the practice, whether you are a new or existing patient, and what is included in the appointment.

Below, we explain the current costs, what you should expect from a dental examination, and how Glow Dental’s new patient examination compares with other private dental fees in London.

How Much Does a Dentist Check-Up Cost in London in 2026?

NHS dental check-up: £27.90

From 1 April 2026, the NHS Band 1 dental charge in England is £27.90 for patients who are not exempt from NHS dental charges.

A Band 1 course of treatment can include:

• A dental examination and assessment
• Diagnosis of dental problems
• X-rays where clinically necessary
• Advice on preventing future dental problems
• A scale and polish where clinically necessary
• Fluoride varnish where appropriate

Importantly, the £27.90 is a charge for a Band 1 course of treatment, rather than simply a fee for sitting in the dental chair.
If treatment falling into Band 2 or Band 3 is required, the appropriate higher NHS charge applies instead.

Some people are also entitled to free NHS dental care or help with dental costs. You can read more in our guide: Are dentists free in the UK?

Private dental check-up: usually around £65–£110 locally

Unlike NHS dentistry, there is no nationally fixed fee for a private dental examination. Each practice decides its own prices and what is included.

Looking at currently published fees from general dental practices around Battersea, Clapham and Wandsworth, new-patient examinations commonly fall at approximately £65–£110. Fees at some central London or specialist practices can be considerably higher.

When comparing prices, it is important to compare like with like. A £65 examination that charges separately for every X-ray is not necessarily cheaper than a £90 examination that includes the X-rays the dentist needs.

Before booking, check whether the quoted fee includes:

• New-patient or routine examination
• Small dental X-rays
• Gum assessment
• Oral cancer screening
• Treatment planning

How Much Is a New Patient Check-Up at Glow Dental?

Glow Dental’s standard new-patient examination fee is £90, and the published fee includes small X-rays.

We currently offer 25% off the new-patient examination, reducing the cost from £90 to:

£67.50

You can see the latest details on our dental offers page.

At £67.50, the current Glow Dental offer sits towards the lower end of many published new-patient examination fees in South West London, while also including small X-rays as part of the published examination fee.

Glow Dental is located on Northcote Road in Battersea and welcomes new dental patients.

What Happens During a Dental Check-Up?

A dental check-up is not simply a quick look for cavities. It is an assessment of the health of your teeth, gums and the other tissues in and around your mouth.

Depending on your individual circumstances, your dentist may:

• Ask whether you have experienced pain, sensitivity, bleeding or other changes
• Review relevant medical history and medication
• Examine your teeth for decay, cracks, wear and problems with existing fillings or crowns
• Assess your gums for signs of gum disease
• Examine the soft tissues of your mouth and other relevant areas for abnormal changes
• Ask about factors such as brushing, diet, smoking and alcohol
• Take dental X-rays when clinically indicated
• Discuss any findings and explain appropriate treatment or preventive care

You can read more about what happens during a
dental examination at Glow Dental.

Does a Dental Check-Up Include an Oral Cancer Check?

Checking the soft tissues of the mouth for suspicious changes is an important part of oral healthcare. NHS guidance states that dental professionals check for signs of conditions including mouth cancer during dental examinations.

At Glow Dental, oral cancer screening is routinely included in every dental examination. The dentist looks for unusual changes in the mouth and surrounding tissues and can arrange an appropriate referral if something requires further investigation.

Find out more about our
mouth cancer screening.

Are Dental X-Rays Included in a Check-Up?

This depends on the practice and the type of appointment.

Dental X-rays are not necessarily required at every check-up. Your dentist decides whether they are clinically necessary based on factors such as your dental history, symptoms and risk of disease.

Some private practices charge separately for X-rays, while others include certain X-rays in the examination fee. At Glow Dental, the published £90 new-patient examination fee includes small X-rays, and the current 25% new-patient offer reduces the examination fee to £67.50.

Does a Dental Check-Up Include a Scale and Polish?

Not necessarily.

Under NHS Band 1, a scale and polish can be included when the dentist considers it clinically necessary. This is different from choosing a separate professional hygiene appointment.

In private dentistry, examination and hygiene appointments are commonly separate services. If you have plaque, tartar, staining or gum-health concerns, your dentist may recommend an appointment with a dental hygienist.

Patients with more advanced gum problems may require a more detailed assessment or periodontal treatment.

Is an NHS or Private Dental Check-Up Better?

It would be misleading to say that a private dental examination is automatically clinically “better” than an NHS one. Both NHS and private dentists assess and diagnose oral health problems, and the appropriate choice depends on your circumstances.

The main differences are usually how care is funded, what the practice offers, appointment availability and how private fees are structured.

NHS dentistry provides subsidised clinically necessary dental care using fixed charge bands. Private practices set their own fees and may offer different appointment options, facilities, treatment choices or additional services.

For this reason, when comparing practices it is more useful to look at what the examination includes, the availability of appointments and whether the practice provides the type of ongoing care you need, rather than judging on price alone.

How Often Should You Have a Dental Check-Up?

You do not necessarily need a check-up every six months.

Dental recall intervals should be based on your individual oral-health risk. In adults, an appropriate routine recall interval can range from around 3 months to 24 months. Someone with active gum disease or frequent decay may need closer monitoring, while a patient with consistently healthy teeth and gums may be advised to attend less often.

Your dentist should recommend an interval that reflects your own oral health rather than applying the same schedule to every patient.

What If You Have Toothache or a Dental Emergency?

If you have significant toothache, swelling, trauma, a broken tooth or another urgent problem, a routine check-up may not be the most appropriate appointment.

In that situation, contact the practice and explain your symptoms so that the team can advise whether you need an emergency dental appointment.

So, How Much Is a Dentist Check-Up in London?

• NHS Band 1 in England: £27.90 from 1 April 2026, unless you qualify for free NHS treatment or help with costs
• Private new-patient examinations in South West London: commonly around £65–£110 based on current published fees, although prices vary
• Glow Dental standard new-patient examination: £90, including small X-rays
• Glow Dental current new-patient offer: £67.50 after a 25% discount

Price is only one part of choosing a dentist. Check what is included, whether X-rays are charged separately, how easily you can arrange an appointment and whether the practice can provide the ongoing care you may need.

If you are looking for a private dentist in Battersea, you can learn more about becoming a new patient at Glow Dental or view our current dental fees.

Prices and promotional offers were correct at the time of writing and may change. Please check the latest fee guide before booking.