NHS penalty charge notices for dental treatment.

No-one wants to receive an NHS penalty charge notice in the post. They are triggered by an automated checking system introduced ten years ago to make sure people pay the correct fee for dental care.

The NHS penalty charge is here to stay.

The automated system was brought in to tackle the high number of invalid claims for NHS fee exemptions.  Just this week, however, discussion in parliament once again raised the concern that the system disadvantages vulnerable people. Steve Brine MP, the Under Secretary of State for Public Health and Primary Care, responded that there are “no current plans to change” the system.

How much is the  NHS Penalty Charge?

The NHS penalty charge notice asks for:

• the cost of the dental treatment according to the band,
• a penalty charge that is five times the cost of the original treatment, but no more than £100,
• an additional £50 is due on missed payments after 28 days.

It is possible to make a claim against the NHS penalty charge if you think there’s been a mistake, or because of exceptional circumstances.

Penalties can result from genuine mistakes.

Not all of the claims that are flagged up are deliberate attempts to cheat the system. Many are genuine patient errors. It’s all too easy to fill in a form incorrectly, or not be fully clear about whether an exemption is full or partial. Yet, because the patient signs that the details are correct, the signature is binding so an appeal is difficult.

The NHS Business Services Authority (NHS BSA) monitoring the system warns patients to make sure the correct box is ticked on the dental treatment claim form.

A friend, relation or member of the dental team can tick the form on behalf of the patient. It there is an error, however, it is the patient’s responsibility.

Check your entitlements.

Some NHS dental patients may receive free dental care.  Others, as part of the NHS Low Income Scheme, are entitled to some help with their fees. It is very important that patients understand what their payment status is. The NHS BSA issues an increasing number of penalty notices to dental patients each year.

If your status has changed, you may not be exempt from paying dental charges any more.

• Are you about to turn 18, or 18 and leaving full-time education?
• Is your baby a year old now?
• Has your employment situation changed?
• Has your health improved?

It’s important to keep your status up to date.

• ensure that exemption certificates are current
• notify changes of name and/or address as appropriate

You can read more detailed information about the NHS penalty charges on the NHS BSA website 

Steps to take to avoid getting an NHS penalty charge notice.

• Check your status, or check the status of people you care for. We understand that you may be unsure of your entitlements. Our reception staff can offer helpful advice.
• Come to the practice with a friend or relation who can help you. Often people are a bit nervous at the dentist, or have the treatment on their mind. It can be hard to focus on form-filling and payment. Bring along someone for company and support.
• Allow lots of time. Sit down to fill in paperwork, take your time and read it through. The NHS forms that are catching people out are official documents, so it’s important to be careful. A little extra time now can save a lot of trouble later.
• Ask the reception team if there’s something you’re not sure about. Although we can’t fill in the form, or state categorically that it’s correct, we are here to assist you, so please ask and we will do whatever we can to help.

Related reading:

• NHS charges 2018-19
• Understanding NHS charges
• Paying for your SpaDental treatment
• Don’t lose your NHS registration
• Fluoride in our water

Please note:

• SpaDental practices in Plymouth and Whitchurch accept new adult NHS patients from a waiting list.
• In support of government initiatives to improve children’s oral health, babies, children and teenagers can apply directly to Plymouth or Whitchurch. 

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