Changes to NHS dental charges
When?
Charges will be increasing from 1st April.
Why?
Dental costs increase in line with inflation each year, and the proposed cost changes also form part of the 10 Year Health Plan aimed at reforming the NHS.
While the increase remains below the current rate of inflation, Healthwatch England have continued to raise the issue of increasing costs as a barrier to care for many.
How much will dental care cost?
- Band 1 and urgent care, will go up from £26.80 to £27.40
- Band 2, up from £73.50 to £75.30
- Band 3: from £319.10 to £326.70
How to get help with dental care
Per the statement by the Minister for Care, Stephen Kinnock:
“Patients will continue to be entitled to free NHS dental care if they are under 18, or under 19 and in full-time education; pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months; or, are being treated in an NHS hospital and have their treatment carried out by the hospital dentist (patients may have to pay for dentures or bridges). Patients will continue to qualify for help with health costs if, on the date they claim, they either:
- receive Universal Credit and either had no earnings or had take-home pay of £435 or less in their last Universal Credit assessment period
- receive Universal Credit, which includes an element for a child, or they or their partner had limited capability for work (LCW) or limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA), and either had no earnings or take-home pay of £935 or less in their last Universal Credit assessment period
- If the patient is part of a couple, the take-home pay threshold applies to their combined take-home pay.
Support is also available through the NHS Low Income Scheme for those patients who are not eligible for exemption or full remission.”
To find out more about the NHS Low Income Scheme, click here
