The government increases NHS fees increase by 8.5% on April 24th 2023
For five years, the 2015 Spending Review committed to an annual uplift to patient charges of 5%. For two years and three months, since the last increase and the end of the Spending Review, there has not been an increase in charges. But the government is making up for that now, by increasing the NHS Band fees by 8.5%.
If you are concerned about access to dental care, please contact your local MP.
Please note that your NHS dentist will not benefit from the increase. While the cost to patients for NHS treatment is increased by a startling 8.5%, the uplift for NHS dental contract holders is just 4.75%.
The British Dental Association comments on the increase:
“The revenue raised will not go to your dentist or towards improving your care. Amid a cost-of-living crisis, this hike is covering for government cuts.
Dentists are health professionals not tax collectors. But over the last decade millions have been cut from our budgets, and the difference has been plugged by inflation, busting hikes in patient charges.
The revenue raised by this increase doesn’t go to dentists, and will do nothing to help the practices struggling to recruit staff or the patients unable to secure an appointment.
Ministers are simply making our patients pay more so they can pay less.”
Following a two year freeze, the dental charge payable for a Band 1 course of treatment rises by £2, from £23.80 to £25.80. A Band 2 course of treatment increases by £5.50 from £65.20 to £70.70. A Band 3 course of treatment increases by £24 from £282.80 to £306.80.
NHS dental fees (patient charges) were last adjusted in December 2020. Since then, many dentists across the country have reduced the NHS dental care they can offer to teenagers and adults. Moreover, the cost-of-living crisis means that patients who have a dentist, are not attending because of the cost.
| Dental Treatment Band | 2020 Charge | 2023 Charge | Increase | % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Band One | £23.80 | £25.80 | £2.00 | 8.5% |
| Band Two | £65.20 | £70.70 | £5.50 | 8.5% |
| Band Three | £282.80 | £306.80 | £24.00 | 8.5% |
How much will I pay for my NHS Dental Treatment?
Do I have to pay for my treatment?
How much did the NHS dental charges increase in 2019-20?
Important information:
- What is included in each band? Understanding NHS charges from April 2023.
- Check the NHS England Health Costs for further details.
*Please note: Some SpaDental practices are only able to see private patients because they do not hold a contract with the NHS. Our private only practices, offer a range of dental plans to spread the cost of of treatment over monthly payments.