If you are not exempt from NHS charges, from 1 April 2009 you should pay one of the following charges for each course of dental treatment you receive:
Band 1 course of treatment - £17.50 This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealants. If you require urgent care, even if your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one Band 1 charge.
Band 2 course of treatment - £48.00 This covers everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work or if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.
Band 3 course of treatment - £209.00 This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges.
The charge you pay depends on the treatment you need to keep your mouth, gums and teeth healthy. You will only ever be asked to pay one charge for each complete course of treatment, even if you need to visit your dentist more than once to finish it - either Band 1, Band 2 or Band 3. If you have to be referred to another dentist for another course of treatment you can expect a second charge. Some minor treatments, involving having stitches removed or repair to dentures (if they can be mended), are free.
Free NHS dental treatment or help with health costs: You may be eligible for help with all or part of the costs of your NHS dental treatment. To see if this applies to you, see the leaflet 'NHS dental services in England' which is available from any NHS dental practice,
can be downloaded here, or you can obtain a copy by ringing NHS Leicester City PALS on 0116 295 7011
For further information on NHS dental services and dental charges, see the leaflet 'NHS dental services in England' or the more detailed 'Guide to NHS dental services in England' both of which are available from
www.dh.gov.uk/dentistry or contact NHS Leicester City PALS on 0116 295 7011 for help.
For general advice on how to get help with health costs call 0845 850 1166 or see 'Help with Health Costs' (HC11) which is available from Jobcentre Plus offices, NHS dentists, from
www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk, or NHS Leicester City PALS on 0116 295 7011.