Private Dentist in City of London: Costs, Appointments and What to Expect
Published 26 February 2026 · 9 min read
Private dental care offers an alternative to NHS dentistry, providing patients with access to a range of treatments, flexible appointment scheduling and transparent fee structures. For working professionals in the City of London — around Bank, St Paul's, Moorgate and Liverpool Street — visiting a private dentist can be a practical way to maintain oral health within a busy routine.
This guide covers what private dental care involves, how costs are typically structured, what happens during an appointment and what you can expect from a private dentist in City of London. Costs vary depending on the type of treatment, clinical complexity and the materials used, and practices should always provide clear information before any work begins.
Quick Answer – How Much Does a Private Dentist in City of London Cost?
Private dental costs in the City of London vary depending on the type of treatment and clinical complexity. Consultation fees, hygiene appointments and restorative treatments are each priced separately. Reputable practices provide written estimates before treatment begins, so patients can make informed decisions.
- ✓Consultation fees vary between practices and depend on the scope of the examination
- ✓Hygiene appointments are typically priced separately from check-ups
- ✓Treatment costs depend on clinical complexity and materials used
- ✓Written estimates should be provided before treatment begins
- ✓A transparent fee structure is a standard expectation of private dental care
Unlike NHS dentistry, where fees fall into standardised bands, private dental practices set their own pricing. This means costs can differ between clinics, even within the same area. The most important factor is transparency — a good practice will explain its fees clearly and provide a written treatment plan before any clinical work is carried out.
It is reasonable to ask about pricing when booking your first appointment. Many practices publish fee guides on their websites or can discuss costs over the phone so you know what to expect before attending.
What Influences Private Dental Costs?
Several factors contribute to the cost of private dental treatment. These include the type of procedure, the time required in the dental chair, the materials selected and whether diagnostic imaging is needed. Understanding these factors can help patients anticipate costs more clearly.
- ✓Type of treatment — preventive, restorative or cosmetic procedures are priced differently
- ✓Complexity of the case — more involved treatments require additional clinical time
- ✓Diagnostic imaging — X-rays or scans may be recommended depending on the clinical situation
- ✓Materials used — different restorative and cosmetic materials carry different costs
- ✓Length of appointment — extended consultations or multi-stage treatments may affect pricing
For example, a straightforward dental check-up will typically cost less than a restorative procedure such as a crown or bridge, which involves laboratory work and multiple appointments. Similarly, cosmetic treatments may use premium materials that influence the overall fee.
A clear treatment plan should outline the expected cost of each stage before work begins. This allows patients to plan financially and ask questions about any aspect of the proposed treatment.
What Happens at a Private Dental Appointment?
A typical private dental appointment begins with a review of your medical and dental history, followed by a thorough clinical examination. The dentist will discuss any findings with you and, if treatment is needed, provide a written plan that outlines the recommended steps and associated costs.
- ✓Medical and dental history reviewed to understand your overall health
- ✓Comprehensive clinical examination of teeth, gums and soft tissues
- ✓X-rays taken if clinically indicated to assess areas not visible during examination
- ✓Findings discussed clearly so you understand your current oral health
- ✓Written treatment plan provided with estimated costs before any work begins
Visiting a private dentist in City of London typically involves a longer initial consultation than you might experience elsewhere, as the dentist takes time to build a complete picture of your dental health. This approach supports more thorough diagnosis and personalised care planning.
If no treatment is required, the dentist will advise on an appropriate recall interval for your next check-up. If treatment is recommended, you will have the opportunity to discuss options and ask questions before deciding how to proceed.
How Quickly Can You Get an Appointment in the City?
Many private dental clinics in the City of London offer appointment times designed to suit working professionals. Availability varies between practices, but it is common to find early morning, lunchtime and after-work appointment slots that accommodate a typical City working day.
- ✓Early morning appointments available at many City practices
- ✓Lunchtime slots to minimise disruption to the working day
- ✓After-work appointments for those who prefer evening scheduling
- ✓Appointment availability varies — contacting the practice directly is advisable
For routine check-ups and hygiene appointments, many practices can accommodate bookings within a few days. More complex treatments such as restorative or cosmetic procedures may require longer planning and multiple visits, which the practice will discuss with you during your consultation.
If you have a dental concern that requires prompt attention, it is worth contacting the practice directly to discuss availability. Many private clinics accommodate urgent cases as quickly as possible within their existing schedules.
Is Private Dental Care Different from NHS Dentistry?
Private and NHS dental care share the same clinical standards but differ in how they are funded and structured. NHS dentistry provides clinically necessary treatment at regulated fees, while private dentistry operates independently and may offer a broader range of options and appointment flexibility.
- ✓Funding structure differs — NHS is subsidised, private fees are set by the practice
- ✓Appointment length may vary — private consultations can be longer
- ✓Broader cosmetic treatment options may be available privately
- ✓Fee structure differs — private practices set their own pricing
Both NHS and private dentists are registered with the General Dental Council and must meet the same regulatory requirements. The clinical quality of care is regulated regardless of whether you attend an NHS or private practice. The key differences relate to the range of treatments available, appointment availability and how fees are structured.
Some patients choose private dental care because it offers greater flexibility in appointment scheduling and access to a wider selection of materials and techniques, particularly for cosmetic treatments. Others may prefer NHS dentistry for its regulated fee structure. The right choice depends on individual priorities and circumstances.
Ongoing Preventive Care in a Private Setting
Preventive dental care aims to maintain oral health and identify potential issues before they become more complex. In a private setting, preventive care typically includes regular check-ups, professional hygiene appointments and personalised oral health advice tailored to your individual needs.
- ✓Regular check-ups to monitor teeth, gums and overall oral health
- ✓Professional hygiene appointments for thorough cleaning and plaque management
- ✓Personalised preventive advice based on your oral health profile
- ✓Monitoring of existing dental work such as fillings, crowns and implants
Seeing a dental hygienist in City of London on a regular basis is an important part of maintaining gum health. A hygienist can remove plaque and calculus that builds up in areas difficult to reach with normal brushing, and can provide tailored advice on improving your daily oral hygiene routine.
Many private practices recommend a combined approach — alternating between dentist check-ups and hygiene appointments — to ensure comprehensive monitoring throughout the year. The frequency of visits will depend on your individual oral health needs and your dentist's clinical recommendation.
Treatment Options Available at a Private Dental Clinic
Private dental clinics typically offer a comprehensive range of treatments covering general, cosmetic and restorative dentistry. The scope of services available will vary between practices, so it is worth checking that the clinic you choose offers the specific treatments you may need.
- ✓General dentistry — check-ups, fillings, extractions and root canal treatment
- ✓Cosmetic dentistry — teeth whitening, veneers and composite bonding
- ✓Restorative dentistry — crowns, bridges and dentures
- ✓Dental implants — fixed replacement options for missing teeth
- ✓Emergency dental care — prompt assessment and treatment for urgent concerns
For patients considering tooth replacement, dental implants in City of London offer a fixed, long-term solution that can restore both function and appearance. Your dentist will assess whether implants are clinically suitable for your situation and discuss all available options with you.
When choosing a private clinic, consider whether the practice offers the full range of treatments you might require, or whether referrals to specialists may be necessary for certain procedures. A clinic with a broad scope of services can provide continuity of care across different treatment types.
Is Private Dentistry Suitable for Working Professionals?
Private dental care can be particularly practical for working professionals who need predictable appointment scheduling and clear communication about treatment plans and costs. Clinics located in the City of London are often set up to accommodate the needs of a professional client base.
- ✓Predictable appointment times that fit around your working schedule
- ✓Flexible scheduling with early morning, lunchtime and evening options
- ✓Efficient consultations designed to make good use of your time
- ✓Transparent communication about findings, options and costs
For professionals based in the Bank, Moorgate, St Paul's or Liverpool Street areas, having a dental clinic nearby reduces travel time and makes it easier to attend regular appointments without significant disruption. Many City practices also offer digital communication for appointment reminders and follow-up correspondence.
The structured nature of private dental care — with clear treatment plans, written estimates and planned appointment sequences — can align well with the organisational preferences of busy professionals who value efficiency and clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a private dental check-up in London?
Private dental check-up fees in London vary between practices and depend on the scope of the examination. A consultation typically includes an oral assessment and may include diagnostic imaging if clinically indicated. Practices should provide clear fee information before your appointment so you can make an informed decision.
Can I book a private dental appointment without registering?
Many private dental practices allow you to book an initial consultation without formal registration. During your first visit, the dentist will review your medical history and complete a clinical examination. Some clinics also offer membership plans for patients who wish to attend on a regular basis.
Are private dentists more expensive than NHS?
Private dental fees are generally higher than NHS charges because they are not subsidised. However, private care may offer broader treatment options, longer appointments and greater scheduling flexibility. The right choice depends on your individual dental needs, preferences and budget.
Do private dentists offer payment plans?
Some private dental practices offer payment plans or membership schemes to help spread the cost of treatment. Availability and terms vary between clinics. It is worth discussing options directly with the practice to understand what arrangements may be available for your circumstances.
How often should I see a private dentist?
The recommended frequency of dental visits depends on your individual oral health needs. Most dental professionals suggest a check-up every six to twelve months, with hygiene appointments scheduled as clinically appropriate. Your dentist will advise on a recall interval suited to your circumstances.