Will the Cabinet Secretary reverse the increase in costs for NHS dental appointments and treatment?
Charges for NHS dental treatment were first introduced in 1951. In the 70 years since, successive governments have considered those who can afford to do so should make a contribution towards the cost of NHS dental treatment, subject to a maximum charge.
With the Welsh Government budget under extreme pressure, we carefully considered whether additional funding should be raised by increasing some existing charges for services, such as NHS dental charges. Dental charges in Wales have not increased since 2020 and the standard charge for a full course of NHS treatment remains significantly lower than the equivalent fee in England – as has always been the case. The table below shows dental patient charges from 1 April 2024 in Wales and 24 April 2024 in England, which is when the annual increase will be implemented in England:
|
|
Wales |
England |
|
Band 1 |
£20.00 |
£26.80 |
|
Band 2 |
£60.00 |
£73.50 |
|
Band 3 |
£260.00 |
£319.10 |
|
Urgent |
£30.00 |
£26.80 |
NHS dental treatment will remain free for around half of people who receive NHS dental care – for all those under 18; those who are 18 and in full-time education; pregnant women or those who have had a baby in the previous 12 months; and those on certain out-of-work means-tested benefits or tax credits. Also, unique to Wales are free NHS dental check-ups for people under 25 and over 60.