To tell you that NHS dentist charges are rising..?

[Mrsmorton]

So please write to your MP and ask them why they think this is a good idea.

Well, id like to see my dentist first at some point.

WOW I havent been able to see my NHS dentist since March

My kids cannot get routine appointments from their dentist yet. The only reason I have been seen by anyone is because I’m a private patient.

My dentist has taken myself and our family off their system as we didn’t attend our appointment at the beginning of April. I will add, they were closed and only reopened in July for emergency appointments. Trying to get through to anyone about it is literally like pulling teeth.
As for my MP, numerous emails about issues over the months and nothing.

So please write to your MPs to tell them the restrictions on NHS dentists are unworkable and the cost increase is indefensible.

I don't think it's indefensible. We have to pay for the pandemic some how. I don't think it's either/or. I think EVERYONE should pay.

This is the increase in patient fees that would have happened on April 1st 2020, this year. Due to the chaos of lockdown and the closure of all NHS dentistry until June they delayed the introduction.
The good news is that it may indicate further relaxation of tight restrictions that have been in place and a return to routine check ups.
In other words if Covid hadn’t happened this would have been the fee you would have paid for your missed check up.

I mean, I'd rather NHS dentistry was funded properly rather than using dentists as proxy tax collectors whilst fettering their ability to perform their job. There are better sources of additional tax revenues than the general public being stealth taxed like this.

No sign of seeing my dentist anytime soon, unless you count when I bump into her in the park with her kids.

How do you think ‘funding it properly’ works?

Give all dentists a free reign to perform any treatment for free?

We all pay for dentistry one way or another. At least some contribution should be made.

Why don't we make a contribution to other types of healthcare? Why don't I pay to see my GP? Why don't I have to pay part of my surgery or smear test?

Dentists don't want free rein, they want a transparent system that doesn't paint them as the bad guy when it comes to choosing appropriate treatment.

@Dilemmmmma everyone won’t pay though will they?! There’s plenty of people on free dental treatment.

It’s a disgrace. That’ll be to recoup all the money they lost when they were shut for months!!

Speaking as someone who used to work on the dental penality phone line, I wish there could be a campaign for more awareness as to what benefits entitle you to free treatment.

Can we just be clear that the dentists don't get the increased patient charges. They go to the government coffers.

Dentists are still working to the same fee structure that was agreed in 2006

@RayofSun @EveryPlanetHasAYorkshire

Yes, we need to work to make sure people
Understand both of these things. Any links or pointers very welcome

PinkiOcelot I don't mean everyone will pay for dental care- I believe very strongly in the welfare state and some people shouldn't pay for it. I mean that dental charges should rise AND MPs should have a pay freeze AND some other taxes should rise, loopholes where contractors pay minimal taxes etc should be closed, so we are all paying in that respect.

@PinkiOcelot just to be clear, none of that extra money will go to the dentist. It goes back to the government. The NHS dentist contract value is fixed.

I do wish at least some of it were going to the dentist's though (though NHS dentists are salaried?). My hairdresser, local cafes and shops have put prices up to make up for lost funds over lockdown but at least that goes in their pocket. If dentists have similarly lost out then some should go to them.

I have worked as an NHS dentist for over 30 yrs and it that time there has never been a ‘solution’ to this problem. I have 3 more years until I retire from the NHS. I doubt I will ever work in an adequately funded NHS.
The sad thing is that the general public assume that the 5% increase in fees is passed on to dentists, this year we will see an increase of 2.6%. The rise in fees just means patient are paying more of the total cost of their treatment.
I have given up worrying about it now and looking forward to working 100% in the private sector where I can provide a high standard of treatment but be paid appropriately. I have always maintained a high standard of treatment in the NHS but often lose money as a result.

Even with a 5% increase the fees are still cheaper than paying privately. Many people are entitled to free treatment. The issue for me is there aren’t enough spaces for everyone who wants to be seen on the NHS rather than privately.

Ah that’s ok. Not like I can see my dentist anyway

NHS dentists who work in practice are not salaried. Those in community (special care) and hospitals are salaried.

I have been waiting 3 years to even get an NHS dentist.

Dentist? What's one of those? Covid seems to have rendered dentists in my area incapable of seeing their NHS patients, but I could get a private appointment with the same dentist next week if I stumped up the cash.

I’d just like to SEE our bloody NHS dentist.