Pounds 100 bill for routine visit to dentist

THE cost of going to an NHS dentist is set to double, it emerged today.

Routine visits are likely to cost up to Pounds 100 after a new pricing structure is implemented.

The change in charges, which will be announced next month, will see a check-up rise from Pounds 5.64 to around Pounds 12, while the price of a filling will go up from Pounds 17.64 to Pounds 40.

Non-surgical treatment such as a scale and polish, which currently costs between Pounds 8.88 and Pounds 21.52, will cost Pounds 40.

Although there will be a cap of Pounds 120 on more expensive procedures - such as root canal surgery - the rises will mean a patient who requires a basic examination, scale and polish and one filling will pay nearly Pounds 100.

Critics claim the hike in charges means that visiting an NHS dentist is barely cheaper than opting for private care.

The controversy comes at a time when NHS dentists are in such short supply that thousands of people are finding it virtually impossible to register with one.

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