NHS charges to rise by 5%

Dental charges will rise by five per cent from April 1st, the Department of Health has announced, with a similar increase to take place in 2017 – 2018.

The cost of basic dental care will rise by 80p to £19.70 from 1 April and by a further 90p to £20.60 the following year. Band two charges will increase by £2.60 to £53.90 and by a further £2.40 to £56.30 next year, while a band three course of treatment will see a rise of £11.20 to £233.70 and then by £10.60 to £244.30 next year.

Health minister Alistair Burt said: "Dental charges remain an important contribution to the overall cost of dental services, first introduced in 1951, but we will keep protecting the most vulnerable within society.

"NHS dental treatment will remain free for those under the age of 18, those under the age of 19 and receiving full-time education, pregnant women or those who have had a baby in the previous 12 months, and those on qualifying low income benefits.

"If someone does not qualify for these exemptions, full or partial help may be available through the NHS Low Income Scheme."