Labour vows to end NHS dental check-up charges in England

It will encourage easier access to a local dentistLast weekend, as part of their General Election manifesto, the Labour Party pledged to scrap NHS Band One dentist’s charges in England, because the party believes patients are put-off going to see their local dentist as a result of the cost. The NHS Band One charge, which covers a check-up, a scale and polish, plus any x-rays required is currently £22.70. Many patients who do postpone seeing their local dentist because of the cost often end up visiting A&E with what are more serious dental problems. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn commented that this move would be the first step towards making all NHS dentistry services free of charge.Because health is devolved, the proposed scheme would only apply to England and while Wales and Northern Ireland both charge for dental check-ups, Scotland has had free check-ups since 2006.As it stands, not everyone in England has to pay for dental check-ups though. People on low incomes, pregnant women, under 18s or under 19s if still in full-time education are all exempt from the charges. That means that almost half of all check-ups are currently provided free.Also, of course, many people opt to pay for their dental treatment by going to a private dental practice such as Carisbrook. Which, contrary to general consensus is surprisingly inexpensive.

At Carisbrook for instance, who offer an outstanding local dentist facility for the whole of Manchester and the North West, we provide a very competitive payment plan. This starts from just 37 pence per day for adults and far less for children up to 16 years of age and it provides all of these benefits:

1. Two dental health examinations per year, including oral cancer health checks.
2. Two hygienist appointments per year including preventive advice.
3. All routine dental x-rays.
4. 20% discount on routine treatments (excluding specialist treatments and cosmetic treatments).
5. Dental injury cover up to £10,000 per year.
6. Up to £12,000 cover for one course of oral cancer treatment including smokers.
7. Temporary emergency dental treatment abroad and in the UK up to £400 per incident and up to £800 per year.

So whilst generally speaking we applaud the Labour Party statement, which is bound to have a positive effect on the nation’s dental health and help to avoid unnecessary costs for expensive preventative dentistry treatments, we still have concerns about the national shortage of NHS local dentist facilities.These plans, of course, all depend on a Labour Party victory in the forthcoming General Election and no doubt there will be a delay before the abolition of NHS local dentist fees can be implemented.In the meantime, if you would like to ensure that you and your family enjoy immediate access to unbeatable private dental treatment for as little as 37 pence per day, then please do not hesitate to contact Carisbrook. You can call us on 0161 951 7295 or alternatively you can contact us by using the online form on our Appointments page.