NHS Dentistry: What’s the Difference Between NHS and Private Care?

At Boroughbridge Dental Centre, we’re often asked about NHS dentistry and how it compares to private care. As a mixed practice, we provide both NHS and private dental services. However, it’s important to understand how access works and what each option includes.

What is NHS Dentistry?

NHS dentistry is designed to provide essential dental care to maintain oral health. Treatments are focused on clinical need rather than cosmetic improvements.

Key points about NHS dentistry:

  • Covers essential treatments like exams, fillings, and extractions
  • Set fees under NHS banded pricing
  • Focus on maintaining oral health
  • Limited availability due to NHS contract restrictions

At present, our NHS contract is at capacity for adult patients, and we are not able to register new NHS adults.

However, we are pleased to continue accepting children under 18 onto our NHS list.

How Private Dentistry Works at Our Practice

For adult patients looking to join Boroughbridge Dental Centre, we offer routine private dental care.

What this means:

  • Access to regular check-ups and ongoing dental care
  • Greater flexibility with appointment availability (Early monring, late evenings and Saturday availability)
  • More time with the dentist and a personalised approach
  • Access to a wider range of treatments if needed

Private care ensures you can be seen promptly and maintain your oral health without long waiting times.

Denplan Essentials, Simple Monthly Care

We also offer Denplan Essentials, a simple way to budget for your routine dental care.

  • From just £18.83 per month
  • Includes two exams and hygiene visits per year
  • Helps spread the cost of routine care
  • Ideal for maintaining long-term oral health

Limited-Time New Patient Offer (April & May, 2026)

We’re currently running a special offer for new patients joining us on Denplan Essentials:

  • Standard new patient exam: £85
  • Reduced to £65 when you sign up to Denplan Essentials on the day of your new patient exam

This is a great way to get started with your dental care while saving on your first visit.

NHS vs Private: What You Need to Know

  • NHS dentistry is focused on essential care, but availability is limited
  • Private dentistry offers ongoing access and flexibility for adult patients
  • At our practice, new adult patients are seen on a private basis only
  • Children under 18 can still access NHS dentistry with us
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Join Boroughbridge Dental Centre

If you’d like to schedule your private new patient exam today, you can
book online or contact our friendly reception team here.