| From
1 April 2006, NHS dentistry is changing to
provide better access to local services and a new, simpler
charging system. These pages have information about
what the changes will mean for you and answer some common
questions about NHS dentistry.
Simpler
charging
There will be three standard charges for all National
Health Service (NHS) dental treatment. This will make
it easier to know how much you may need to pay.
The
maximum charge for a complex course of treatment has
been reduced from £384 to £189.
Most courses of treatment will cost £15.50
or £42.40.
You
will still receive free NHS dental treatment if you
meet the exemption
criteria.
Find
out more about the new patient charges.
Better
access to local services
From 1 April 2006, your Primary Care Trust
(PCT) will be responsible for local NHS dental services
and will:
- have
money that must be used for local dental services
- agree
contracts with NHS dentists for services that best
meet
- local
needs be able to influence where new practices are
established
- be
responsible for urgent and out-of-hours care in your
area
If
a dentist moves, closes down a practice or reduces the
amount of NHS dentistry he or she provides, the money
to provide this service will remain with your PCT for
reinvestment in NHS dentistry for the local community.
This
information is presented by the NHS. |
