A visit to the dentist is about to get a little more painful on the wallet as dental costs are about to rise.
NHS dental costs in England are expected to rise by 8.5% from next month, the biggest increase in 17 years.
We look at what the increase in dental visits means and when it takes effect.
How much will prices rise and when?
NHS dental spending is broken down into three areas.
Due to the tariff increase, prices in each range will increase by the following amounts:
Volume 1 (for examinations, diagnostics and consultations): £25.80 (from £23.80)
Volume 2 (for procedures such as fillings, root canals and extractions): £70.80 (from £65.20)
Volume 3 (for crowns, dentures and bridges): £306.80 (from £282.80)
These new NHS dental fees go into effect on April 24 this year.
What was the reaction?
The British Dental Association (BDA), which represents about 16,000 dentists in the UK, said it wanted to be clear and clarify that revenues from this increase will not go to dentists.
It says the increase will hurt some patients who need a dentist the most, which could discourage them from seeking dental care.
Sean Charlwood, Chairman of the BDA General Dental Practice Committee, said: “This is an absolutely grotesque portrayal of Treasury Department priorities.
“In times of livelihood crisis, the government should not have gone down this path.
“This is a cold, calculated political decision that will affect millions of people on modest incomes.”
The Department of Health and Human Services said dental costs have been frozen from 2020 and that this is a “proportionate increase”.
It says more than £3bn has been invested in dentistry for NHS patients and children, while low-income and pregnant women continue to receive free dental care.
Source: I News
I’m Raymond Molina, a professional writer and journalist with over 5 years of experience in the media industry. I currently work for 24 News Reporters, where I write for the health section of their news website. In my role, I am responsible for researching and writing stories on current health trends and issues. My articles are often seen as thought-provoking pieces that provide valuable insight into the state of society’s wellbeing.