An expensive smile?

Regardless of any limitations, a dentist is vital to one's wellbeing. However, after finishing full time education at 19 years old the perk of free dental treatment does not apply. This week, Universal Medicine will be exploring the cost of dental treatments as well as discovering how the BDA feel about these NHS prices.

Recently, the British Dental Association has referred to the cost of NHS dental treatment as a "Tax on health". Statistics discovered by the BDA indicate that, approximately, 600,000 patients have to go to general practitioners so their oral issues can be solved. The BDA feel that the rise in the amount of patients having to go to general practitioners is due to the prices NHS are charging for dental treatments. Of course, an obvious consequence of high treatment prices will mean a lot of individuals will avoid going to important dental appointments as they may not be willing to pay the high price. This could result in the appearance of more serious oral issues. Research has shown that there has been at least a 5% increase in the amount patients spent on their dental care, with the precise figure exceeding £700 million. Shockingly, figures indicate that 48% of adults have not visited a dentist in the last two years. 

So what are the actual set prices by the NHS? Well, the prices for each treatment depend upon the type of clinical procedures needing to take place. For example, a simple filling is a very quick and easy procedure so the cost will be low. Whereas, a root canal (endodontic) involves a lot more steps, tools and time hence the cost will be higher. The cost of each treatment is categorised into different bands- each band has its own set price. The highest cost lies in band 3 which can involve the need for dental laboratories to create products such as retainers or bridges. Listed are the specific costs for treatment set by the NHS (http://www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/dentists/Pages/nhs-dental-charges.aspx):
  • Emergency dental treatment – £19.70
    This covers emergency care in a primary care NHS dental practice such as pain relief or a temporary filling.
  • Band 1 course of treatment – £19.70
    This covers an examination, diagnosis (including X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if clinically needed, and preventative care such as the application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealant if appropriate.
  • Band 2 course of treatment – £53.90
    This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or removal of teeth but not more complex items covered by Band 3.
  • Band 3 course of treatment – £233.70
    This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other laboratory work

Having, hopefully, acknowledged the BDA claims and having an insight on the cost of dental treatments, do you feel the NHS costs are fair? Let us know your thoughts on this current dental issue but until then, have a great week!

Written by Adil Rahman

https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/details/931
https://www.thesun.co.uk/living/1843503/government-accused-of-failing-children-as-shocking-figures-reveal-four-in-ten-kids-skip-the-dentist/

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