The cost of NHS dental fees in Wales is set to increase for the first time in four years, worrying one dentist’s leader who said it may lead to lower-income patients forgoing treatment. Welsh general dental practice committee chairman Russell Gidney predicts many patients will face tough decisions regarding whether or not they can afford dental care during tough economic times. The increase in fees comes into effect from 1 April 2022. The Welsh government claims there are “pressures on our budgets,” adding that the increased revenue will be returned to dentistry services.
While charges remain less expensive in Wales than in England, the British Dental Association (BDA) is raising concerns that the hike in fees constitutes the largest monetary increase in NHS history. Free appointments for children, and check-ups at no charge for those over 60 or under 25 years old. However, adults on low incomes may not be charged, although the BDA is alarmed that those families just over the free care threshold will be disproportionately impacted by the increase.
Going private is “really not an option” for many families struggling on low incomes, which, according to Sarah Dickinson, 56, from Caernarfon, leaves them with little choice but to pull their teeth out themselves. After moving to Wales with her husband, they were unable to get on the NHS waiting list. Mrs Dickinson, a retired nurse, adds that one of her neighbors has already pulled three teeth out, whilst her husband’s emergency appointment resulted in only one tooth extracted rather than the necessary will work to save it.
The Welsh government stated there has not been an increase in charges since 2020, with funding for dentistry services having risen since 2018-19. However, dental practices may begin to opt-out of NHS contracts, according to Gidney, which would lead to another crisis in available dental healthcare services
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