According to the Department of Health the 2006 dental contract, which has been widely criticised is to be replaced.

A new system will be piloted in the autumn in selected dental practices. The existing 3 bands will be divided up into considerably more (between [...]]]> Review of NHS Dentistry by the Department of Health

According to the Department of Health the 2006 dental contract, which has been widely criticised is to be replaced.

A new system will be piloted in the autumn in selected dental practices. The existing 3 bands will be divided up into considerably more (between 5 and 12 bands – to be decided) so gone will be the old problem of a dentist being paid the same for one filling as for 4 fillings. Much of the dentist’s income will come from the amount of NHS patients on their registers and less will come from the actual work undertaken which will encourage dentists to take on more NHS patients. It is hoped that this will mean that dentists will encourage patients to look after their teeth and adopt good oral health.

Under the new system any poor dental work, such as fillings that fall out, would have to be replaced at the dentists own expense. So it is hoped this will discourage poor work.

Band 1 £16.20 – examination, check up, diagnosis of problem, scale and polish, x-rays, advice and discussion regarding further treatment.

Band 2 £44.60 – all treatment in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal [...]]]> If you are lucky enough to be able to get an NHS dentist, there are 3 bands for NHS dental treatment.

Band 1
£16.20 – examination, check up, diagnosis of problem, scale and polish, x-rays, advice and discussion regarding further treatment.

Band 2
£44.60 – all treatment in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment, extractions

Band 3
£198 – all treatment in Bands 1 and 2 plus more complicated procedures such as crowns, bridges and dentures

Check up and filling only?
You will only pay the Band 2 charges. You do not pay both Band 1 and Band 2 charges.

More than one visit to complete the treatment?
You only pay the charge applicable to the Band relevant to your treatment. You do not pay each time you have treatment.

Returning for treatment within 2 months? 
If the treatment is in the same Band (or lower Band) as before you will not be charged. For example if you have already been charged for a filling (Band 2) then need another filling a month later, you will not be charged.

Written treatment plan
If your treatment is in Bands 2 or 3 treatment you should get a treatment plan from your dentist detailing how much your treatment will cost.

Referral to another dentist?
You only pay one fee to the dentist who refers you. You do not pay both dentists unless the 2nd dentist is considered to be offering a specialist service such as sedation, home visit, or orthodontics.

Stitches
There are no extra charges for removing stitches

Writing a Prescription
If you need a prescription there are no extra charges for this

Missed appointment
If you miss an appointment you cannot be charged, however if you continue to miss appointments your dentist might decide not to treat you any more .

Credit cards
A dentist is allowed to charge a handling charge for credit card payments

Cosmetic work
The NHS do not cover work that is considered simply cosmetic such as white fillings for back teeth and whitening.

Urgent Care Charges £16.20
The fee is £16.20 regardless of how many appointments it takes to complete the work. This fee is charged if you are not attending your normal dental clinic or you are not currently having a course of treatment. The fee covers an examination, x-rays, temporary fillings, refixing crowns and bridges, one permanent filling, adjustment of dentures, extraction of no more than 2 teeth, and simple repairs to dentures.