9 PRICES TRACKED
Routine check-up & exam
The routine exam. On the NHS it is a fixed Band 1 charge; privately it varies widely and is where the NHS-versus-private gap first shows.
Every price we track (hover a dot)
| Year | Region | Provider | What it was | List | Paid | Src |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Wales | NHS | NHS Wales recall examinationPer visit; max £384/course | £25NHS band | — | source |
| 2026 | Wales | NHS | NHS Wales new patient assessment | £27NHS band | — | source |
| 2026 | England | NHS | NHS Band 1 (exam, X-rays, scale & polish, advice)Current from 1 Apr 2026; one charge per course | £28NHS band | — | source |
| 2026 | UK | Private | New patient examination | £55 | — | source |
| 2026 | England (multi-site) | Private | Routine check-up & examNew patient exam/emergency with radiographs; fees stated correct April 2026 | £55 | — | source |
| 2026 | London | Private | New patient examination | £60 | — | source |
| 2026 | Kent | Private | Routine check-up & examPrivate examination | £60 | — | source |
| 2026 | London | Private | New patient exam | £65 | — | source |
| 2026 | Manchester | Private | New patient exam/checkup | £65 | — | source |
Common questions
How much does routine check-up cost in the UK?
Across 9 real UK prices, the median is £55, with prices from £25 to £65. That spans fixed NHS band charges and private fees, so where you go changes the figure a lot.
Is routine check-up cheaper on the NHS?
Almost always, where it is available on the NHS. NHS dental care is charged in fixed bands (Band 1 £27.90, Band 2 £76.60, Band 3 £332.10 in England from April 2026), while the same work privately is set by each practice and usually far higher.
Why do private routine check-up prices vary so much?
Private fees are not regulated, so they reflect the practice's location, the materials used, and whether a specialist is involved. Comparing a few practices, and checking what is available on the NHS first, is worth it.
Related free guides
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- How to find an NHS dentist in the UK and what it costs →
- Children's dental costs in the UK: what is free on the NHS →
- How to get a dentist's real NHS prices →
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Methodology: prices here are fixed NHS band charges, published private fees, and bills people reported in public posts or submitted directly. Each row says which it is, with a link to the source where one exists. We never estimate and no sponsor can touch a number. Spot an error? Tell us and we'll fix or remove it fast.