NHS dentist cost changes slammed as 'slap in the face'

Another hike in the cost of NHS dentistry planned for next month has been called a "slap in the face for hard-pressed families" by leading dentists. The price of treatments is set to increase by four per cent, following an eight and a half per cent increase last year.

The British Dental Association has said that the price hike is "merely covering for government cuts" and will not put more money into the struggling service, but could prevent people from getting help. Nearly one in four people who have an NHS dentist have said that the price of treatments has caused them to delay seeking dental care, or go without entirely.

From April 1, the price of routine check-ups will go up by £1 to £26.80, while dental treatments such as fillings will increase by £2.80 to £73.50. Higher treatments like bridges, crowns, and dentures will increase by £12.30 to £319.10.

READ MORE: Martin Lewis issues message to anyone with £5,000 in their bank accounts

NHS Dentistry's £3bn budget to provide low cost dental care across England has been frozen since 2010, while costs, wages, and the population have only increased. Something that the BDA says the continuous hike in NHS treatment charges has been an attempt to obscure.

Due to these issues, many people in Greater Manchester struggle to even register with an NHS dentist, let alone access treatment. In January, the Manchester Evening News spoke to people in Stockport who said their teeth were "crumbling and falling out" of their mouth while they waited for a dentist.

“This latest hike is another slap in the face for hard-pressed families across England,” says General Dentist Practice Committee Chair Shawn Charlwood.

"This won’t put a penny in to bring NHS dentistry back from the brink.