Dentists call for charges shake up

Following the latest 5 per cent rise in NHS dental charges in England, dentist leaders have called on government to end the ‘confusion by design’ that’s helping keep young and vulnerable patients away from their right to free NHS dentistry.

Dentists accuse government of failing to promote free access and of using heavy-handed tactics through the £100 penalty fines levied on those ‘inappropriately’ claiming access. The BDA has said these fines are hitting a wide range of groups including those with dementia and special educational needs (SEN) and their carers who are often unable to complete the required paperwork accurately.

In a new report launching to mark the latest increase in NHS charges, the BDA has said government must reassess their approach to minimise barriers to care and end the inflation-busting increases that are now plugging holes in the budget left by declining state investment. The BDA estimate charges will overtake direct funding as the principle source of revenue for the service in England within a generation.

Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen, chair of General Dental Practice at the BDA, said, “NHS charges exist to discourage patients from seeking dental treatment and now appear to be delivering results even among those who don’t need to pay.