NHS dental charges to increase from April 1
The British Dental Association said the charges will rise by an average of 2.3 per cent
The amount that people pay for basic NHS dental care is set to rise by 60p.
The British Dental Association (BDA) confirmed a 2.3 per cent increase, adding to existing cost of living pressures.
While some remain eligible for free NHS dental care, others will face increased out-of-pocket expenses depending on their treatment needs from April 1.
Basic check-ups and X-rays, categorised as Band 1 care, will now cost £27.40, up from £26.80 previously.
More complex procedures like fillings, tooth extraction or root canal treatment, fall under Band 2 care, and will see a rise to £75.30, up from £73.50.
Meanwhile, people who need dentures; bridges; crowns or braces will need to pay £326.70, up from £319.10, according to an amendment to the the National Health Service (Dental Charges) Regulations.
Children; pregnant women; certain veterans and people in receipt of certain benefits can access free dental care on the NHS.
Shiv Pabary, chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, said: “This hike is reheated austerity.
“It won’t put a penny into a struggling service. Our patients are paying more, just so ministers can pay less.
“Rachel Reeves will need to justify her stealth cuts to millions of patients.”
A poll has appeared on the campaigning website 38 Degrees which is calling for the price hike to be scrapped.
Matthew McGregor, chief executive at 38 Degrees, said: “Families across the country will be bracing themselves today at the news that they’ll soon be hit by a health bill hike during this ongoing cost of living crisis – and that’s if they’re lucky enough to even have access to an NHS dentist in the first place.
“It’s the wrong move at the wrong time – especially as the extra price tag won’t result in the improvements in dental care so many of us are desperate for.”
The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.