NHS dentist charges in England have gone up this week by around 8.5% in another blow for cash-strapped Brits.
Treatments under NHS dentists are split into different bandings, depending on if you need just a check-up, or something more complicated.
The price of a routine check-up, which falls under Band 1 pricing, has increased from £23.80 to £25.80.
Fillings, root canal and removing teeth, covered under Band 2, have gone up from £65.20 to £70.70.
If you need more complex procedures such as crowns, dentures and bridges, which are Band 3 procedures, this has risen from £282.80 to £306.80.
NHS dental charges had been frozen since December 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
NHS dental treatment costs explained
- Band 1: from £23.80 to £25.80 (up £2)
Covers examination, diagnosis and advice. It can also include X-rays, scale and polish.
- Band 2: from £65.20 to £70.70 (up £5.50)
Covers all treatment included in Band 1, plus fillings, root canal and removing teeth.
- Band 3: from £282.80 to £306.80 (up £24)
Covers all treatment included in Bands 1 and 2, plus more complex procedures, such as crowns, dentures and bridges.
These price increases only affect NHS patients in England.
NHS patients in Wales are charged £14.70 for Band 1 treatments, £47 for Band 2 and £203 for Band 3.
In Northern Ireland and Scotland, you pay 80% of the cost of your dental fees, capped at £384, unless you are entitled to free treatment.
Who can get help with NHS dentist costs
Not everyone has to pay for NHS dental treatment. The following people in England are exempt:
- Under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education
- Pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- Being treated in an NHS hospital and your treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist (but you may have to pay for any dentures or bridges)
- Claiming low income benefits, or you're under 20 and a dependant of someone receiving low income benefits
You can also receive free NHS dental treatment in England if you have one of the following certificates:
- NHS tax credit exemption certificate
- HC2 certificate
- Maternity exemption certificate
People named on an NHS certificate for partial help with health costs (HC3) may also get help.
