Paediatric Dentist Consultation Costs in the UK
Private paediatric dentists help UK families tackle everything from early tooth decay to anxiety-free check-ups for neurodivergent children. A typical visit includes an extended history, oral examination, preventive advice, and - if needed - referrals for orthodontics or hospital care. Knowing the price range upfront lets parents budget for specialist care without surprise invoices.
🪥 Clinics often blend behavioural techniques, play-led explanations, and mild sedation options, so consultations run longer than adult appointments. Many practices also offer on-site hygiene sessions, fluoride varnish, or fissure sealants during the same visit, which can nudge the bill higher but reduce future treatment costs.
For ongoing preventive care, compare our guide to dental hygienist visits so you can pair specialist assessments with regular cleanings.
How Much is a Paediatric Dentist Consultation in the UK?
Initial private consultation (30 - 45 minutes): £60 to £120 for a standard exam, oral health plan, and fluoride advice at clinics such as White & Co Battersea or Smileworks Liverpool.
Extended specialist assessment (45 - 60 minutes): £120 to £180 when behaviour management, dietary counselling, or space maintainer planning is included.
Diagnostic packages (bitewing X-rays, panoramic scans): £35 to £90 added to the visit when digital imaging or caries-detecting lasers are required.
Special care or sedation-focused consultation: £150 to £250 for clinics offering inhalation sedation trials, hospital referral letters, or multidisciplinary meetings.
Follow-up review (15 - 20 minutes): £40 to £80 for monitoring erupted teeth, orthodontic readiness, or post-treatment healing.
Regional Price Differences in the UK
London (Central): Clinics in Marylebone, Kensington, or Canary Wharf charge premium rates, with initial consultations typically £110 to £180 and sedation-focused reviews reaching £250. Higher rents and consultant paediatric dentists drive the difference.
Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds: Large regional cities average £80 to £140 for first visits and £130 to £200 for complex care discussions, saving families 20 - 30% versus central London.
Smaller cities (Edinburgh, Cardiff, Newcastle): Regional paediatric hubs charge around £70 to £120 for standard consultations and rarely exceed £180 even when imaging or sedation planning is required.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Paediatric Dentist Consultations
🧸 Appointment length and complexity
Longer visits that include acclimatisation games, dietary coaching, or orthodontic planning add chair time, pushing fees toward £150+ compared with quick reviews.
📍 Clinic location and overheads
Central London surgeries cover higher rents and specialist staffing, so even routine check-ups can cost 30 - 40% more than suburban or regional clinics.
🩻 Diagnostic technology
Digital bitewings, CBCT scans, or caries-detecting lasers add £35 - £90 per visit but provide more accurate treatment plans.
😌 Behaviour management & sedation planning
Clinics offering inhalation sedation trials, desensitisation sessions, or hospital referrals factor these services into the consultation fee, especially for anxious children or those with additional needs.
👩⚕️ Specialist qualifications
Fully accredited consultant paediatric dentists who also work in NHS hospitals command higher private rates than general dentists with an interest in children’s care.
How to Save Money on Paediatric Dentist Consultations in the UK
📅 Join child plans with bundled visits
Memberships at practices like mydentist or Bupa Dental Care cost £9 - £18 per month and include two consultations plus preventive extras, undercutting pay-as-you-go pricing.
🕘 Book off-peak or community clinics
Midweek morning slots or university teaching clinics often discount initial consultations by 10 - 20% to fill diaries.
📂 Bring previous records
Sharing digital X-rays or reports from your NHS dentist can save duplication fees of £40 to £80.
👨👩👧 Bundle siblings
Many surgeries offer multi-child discounts where second and third consultations receive 25% off in the same appointment block.
FAQs
Do private paediatric dentists still work with the NHS?
Many consultants split time between NHS hospitals and private clinics. Private consultations cost £60 - £180 but deliver faster access, after which the dentist can refer back into NHS pathways if hospital treatment is required.
Are X-rays included in the quoted fee?
Basic consultations usually exclude imaging. Expect to pay an extra £35 - £90 if bitewings, panoramic scans, or CBCT images are required during the visit.
Can anxious children try inhalation sedation?
Yes - many paediatric clinics offer nitrous oxide “happy air” trials during the consultation for an additional £40 - £70, helping clinicians decide if sedation is suitable for future treatment.
How often should children see a paediatric dentist?
Most specialists recommend visits every 6 months, but high-caries or orthodontic cases may need reviews every 3 - 4 months. Annual consultation costs therefore range from £120 to £360 depending on visit frequency.
Conclusion
Expect to invest £60 - £120 for a standard paediatric consultation, £120 - £180 when diagnostics or behaviour coaching are added, and up to £250 for sedation planning in London. Compare regional clinics, leverage child membership plans, and bring prior records so every specialist visit keeps young smiles healthy without blowing the family budget. 🦷
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Jane Smith |
| Am British, live in London (1985–present) |
