Changes to treatment and care start for north-east patients NHS dental patients
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From today, November 1 changes to how NHS Dental services operate have come into effect across Scotland.
General Dental Service check-ups will change from every six months to every 12 months. However, dentists can tailor recalls based on patients' individual oral health needs.
The maximum amount that will be charged to an individual per treatment plan will remain capped at £384 or 80 per cent of costs.
Some patients may be eligible to receive help towards healthcare costs and some still qualify for free dental care.
From November 1 if you pay for your NHS dental treatment you may see an increase in treatment charges. Everyone in Scotland is entitled to free NHS dental examinations (including review examinations) and for some patients all treatment is completely free.
Following a dental examination, the dentist will advise you of any treatment you require and the likely cost. They must also provide an itemised account, if requested.
As before, NHS patients who pay for their treatment pay 80 per cent of the treatment costs. This continues to be capped at a maximum of £384 per course of treatment. Any costs over this maximum continues to be fully subsidised by the NHS. You will never pay more than £384 per course of treatment. The vast majority of patients will pay much less than this cost.
A dentist can ask for payment in advance and they can also charge a patient if they fail to attend for an appointment without giving due notice.
NHS treatment is free for everyone aged under 26; people who are pregnant or have given birth in the last 12 months; those with certificated exemption from patient charge because of income or receipt of certain benefits
Others may be entitled to dental treatment at a reduced cost through the NHS Low Income Scheme (LIS). The LIS helps towards some or all of the cost of NHS patient charges for those who are not automatically entitled to free treatment, who may have difficulty in paying. Help under the scheme is income-related and based on an assessment of each person’s ability to pay.
Your dentist may inform you that they have to apply for prior approval before your treatment can be started. Dentists are required to seek approval from the NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) Practitioner Services, for certain treatments and/or treatment plans of high value.
From November 1 your dentist will determine how often you should have a NHS dental examination based on your treatment needs to ensure the best possible care. This may range from less than six months to every two years. If you are seen less often than 12 months then this is a sign of good oral health.
Adults will continue to be offered a treatment plan which includes an extensive clinical examination. th, particularly around any lumps, bumps or ulcers in the lining of your mouth, then you may wish to contact your dentist at the earliest opportunity and they will be able to see you sooner.
Example prices for NHS Dental treatments
Young people (under 26 years old) and adults exempt from charges
Adults (26 years old +)
Check up - £0.00.
Check up and two routine x-rays - £11.04.
Check up, enhanced preventive advice and preventive treatments - £15.68.
Emergency assessment and some emergency treatments - £15.68.
Re-cement of crown - £15.68.
Check up, oral hygiene and one session of deep gum treatment - £32.24.
Review of gum health - £0.00.
Check up, preventive advice, two small x-rays, one tooth extraction and large metal filling on back tooth - £82.68.
Emergency appointment and one tooth extraction - £28.84.
Check up, 2 small x-rays root canal treatment and crown - £255.24 to £384.
Check up and full set of upper and lower dentures with special trays - £344.32 -to £384.
Denture repair - £50.88.
Check up, one small x-ray, one tooth extraction and fit of a single tooth denture - £151.40.
Check up, one small x-ray, study models (casts of teeth), and three tooth bridge - £384.00.
Maximum patient charge for one course of treatment - £384.00.
Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Our aim with this payment reform is to incentivise dentists to remain in the NHS, provide long term sustainability to the sector, and improve access for patients.
"Replacing the existing fees with a new improved set will allow dentists to provide a full range of NHS care and treatment, while those unable to pay will continue to get help.
“All patients will continue to receive free NHS dental examinations and I want to reassure those who are exempt from NHS dental charges – including children and young people under 26, and those on certain benefits – they will continue to receive free care and treatment.
"People on a low income are also eligible for support, details of which can be found on NHS Inform.”
