How much is a dental check-up in the UK? (2026 price guide)
A private dental check-up in the UK usually costs £30–£90, with new-patient exams (often including X-rays) costing a bit more. Most people search this because finding an NHS dentist has become so hard — so here’s what a check-up really costs privately, what’s included, and how to keep the bill down.
First, the current national picture from clinics on TreatmentCosts:
So, what does a dental check-up cost?
For a routine private check-up, most UK practices charge £30–£90. A new-patient exam — which is more thorough and often includes X-rays — tends to be £60–£120. Many practices also offer a “new patient package” bundling the exam, X-rays and a hygienist clean for a set price.
It’s a small spend that saves you money long term: catching a problem early at a check-up is far cheaper than treating it later.
What’s included in a check-up?
- A full examination of your teeth, gums and bite.
- An oral cancer check (a quick look at soft tissues).
- X-rays, if needed — sometimes included, sometimes extra.
- A treatment plan if anything needs doing.
A check-up is the exam. A scale and polish (cleaning) is usually a separate hygienist appointment — more on that below.
New patient vs routine check-up
- New-patient exam: longer, more detailed, usually with X-rays — ~£60–£120.
- Routine check-up: a regular review once you’re an existing patient — ~£30–£90.
If you’re registering somewhere new, expect the first visit to cost more than your follow-ups.
Private vs NHS — what’s the difference?
An NHS check-up in England is a Band 1 charge (a fixed fee, currently around £27), and it’s free if you’re exempt. The catch is availability — many areas have long waits or no NHS dentists taking new patients, which is why so many people go private. Private costs more per visit but you can usually be seen quickly, at a time that suits you. Quality of the exam itself is the same standard either way.
Does where you live change the price?
Yes — sometimes noticeably. Here’s how private check-up prices currently compare across the cities we track:
| City | From | Typical | Clinics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £50 | £94 | 27 | Compare → |
| Manchester | £35 | £65 | 13 | Compare → |
Live data from TreatmentCosts — updated automatically as clinics change their prices.
It’s worth comparing nearby practices — you can see dental check-up prices here.
Do I need X-rays and a hygienist too?
Often, yes — and they’re usually charged on top of the exam:
- X-rays — small extra, taken when the dentist needs to see between or below teeth.
- Hygienist (scale & polish) — a separate appointment that keeps gums healthy; compare hygienist prices here.
If a check-up finds a problem — say a tooth that needs an extraction — that’s quoted separately. A good practice will always tell you the cost before doing anything.
How often should you go?
Most people benefit from a check-up every 6–12 months; your dentist will tell you what’s right for you. Going regularly is the cheapest dentistry there is — it’s how you avoid the big bills.
How to keep the cost down
- Ask whether X-rays are included in the exam fee.
- Look for new-patient packages (exam + X-rays + clean) — often better value.
- Consider a dental plan if you go regularly — monthly cover can work out cheaper.
- Compare a few practices — check-up fees vary more than you’d think.
- Don’t skip visits — prevention is far cheaper than treatment.
Dental check-up cost FAQs
How much is a private dental check-up in the UK?
Usually £30–£90 for a routine check-up, or £60–£120 for a more detailed new-patient exam that often includes X-rays.
How much is an NHS check-up?
In England it’s a fixed Band 1 charge (around £27), and free if you’re exempt — but NHS appointments can be hard to get, which is why many people go private.
Does a check-up include a clean?
Usually not — a scale and polish is normally a separate hygienist appointment. Ask if your practice bundles them.
Are X-rays included in the price?
Sometimes. New-patient exams often include them; routine check-ups may charge a small extra. Always check.
How often should I have a check-up?
Typically every 6–12 months, depending on your dentist’s advice. Regular visits catch problems early and save money overall.
Ready to compare? See live dental check-up prices from UK dentists, or browse all clinics near you.
