NHS dental treatments set to rise in April and again next year

If you need to see the dentist, it might be wise to go before Friday when charges for NHS treatments rise.

The new charges will apply across all three bands of care and form part of the government’s 2015 spending review plan for the NHS to make £22 billion of efficiency savings.

The recommendations were made by MP Alistair Burt, cabinet member for health, earlier this month to make the “best use of NHS resources”.

He said: “We have taken the decision to uplift dental charges for those who can afford it, through a five per cent increase this year and next.”

Band one, which covers basic treatment including check-ups and X-rays, will be rise by 90 pence from £18.80 to £19.70 and to more than £20 next year.

Fillings, removals and crowns under band two will rise by £2.60, from £51.90 to £53.90 and by £2.40 in 2017 with band three treatments rising by £11.20 from £222.50 to £233.70 and then £10.60.

Charges will remain free for those aged under 18, full-time students under 19, pregnant women or those who have given birth within the previous 12 months or people on qualifying low income benefits.

People who do not qualify for exemptions may be able to apply for full or partial help through the NHS Low Income Scheme.

Visit nhsbsa.nhs.uk for details.