From April 1, 2025, NHS dental charges in England will increase by an average of 2.3%, affecting millions of patients who rely on the public healthcare system.
The price adjustment, first reported by Manchester Evening News, has sparked widespread criticism from dental associations and patient advocacy groups, who argue that it will place further pressure on an already fragile system.
With NHS dentistry facing long-standing challenges, many fear the rise will deepen existing inequalities in access to care. The Oral Health Foundation has pointed out that NHS dental charges have surged by 46% in recent years, far exceeding the UK’s 25% inflation rate.
This widening gap raises concerns about affordability, leaving some to question whether NHS dentistry is becoming out of reach for those who need it most.
Breakdown of the New NHS Dental Fees
According to the amendment to the National Health Service (Dental Charges) Regulations, the new charges will be as follows:
Band 1 treatments, which include check-ups and X-rays, will increase from £26.80 to £27.40. Band 2 treatments, covering procedures such as fillings, tooth extractions and root canal treatments, will rise from £73.50 to £75.30.
Band 3 treatments, which include dentures, bridges, crowns and braces, will see an increase from £319.10 to £326.70.
Some patients, including children, pregnant women, certain veterans and individuals on specific benefits, will continue to be eligible for free NHS dental care.
However, the Oral Health Foundation has noted that some charges will rise by as much as £7.60, adding further financial pressure on those already struggling to access NHS dentistry.
Concerns Over Affordability and Access
Critics argue that the price hike will make NHS dentistry even less accessible, particularly for low-income patients already struggling to secure an appointment.
Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, described the increase as a “tax on those who need essential healthcare”, adding that it will drive more people towards DIY dentistry or private care.
There are already thousands of people resorting to pulling their own teeth or travelling long distances for care. Making treatment more expensive will only push more people away from seeking help, worsening oral health and increasing long-term costs for the NHS – Carter said.
The British Dental Association (BDA) has also condemned the increase, arguing that it is merely a way for the government to reduce its financial contribution to NHS dentistry. Shiv Pabary, chair of the BDA’s General Dental Practice Committee, called it “reheated austerity”, emphasising that the additional revenue will not be reinvested into improving services.
It won’t put a penny into a struggling service. Our patients are paying more, just so ministers can pay less. Rachel Reeves will need to justify her stealth cuts to millions of patients – he said.
Government Response and Public Backlash
The Department of Health and Social Care has defended the increase, stating that NHS dental charges help fund essential services and maintain public health infrastructure. However, opponents argue that dental fees have risen far beyond the rate of inflation, making them increasingly unaffordable for many.
Public frustration is reflected in a petition launched on the campaigning website 38 Degrees, which calls for the government to scrap the planned increase. Matthew McGregor, Chief Executive of 38 Degrees, warned that the policy is “the wrong move at the wrong time”, particularly during a cost of living crisis.
Families across the country will be bracing themselves today at the news that they’ll soon be hit by a health bill hike during this ongoing cost of living crisis – and that’s if they’re lucky enough to even have access to an NHS dentist in the first place – he said.
The Broader Issue of NHS Dentistry
The rise in NHS dental charges comes amid widespread difficulties in accessing NHS dental care, with reports of patients struggling to find available appointments.
Some regions in England have little to no NHS dental availability, forcing many to either pay for private treatment or go without care altogether. Despite repeated calls for systemic reform, many dental professionals believe the current contract structure discourages dentists from taking on NHS patients.
The Oral Health Foundation has urged the government to introduce a fairer funding model to ensure that dental care remains accessible to all. For now, the planned price increase is set to take effect on April 1, 2025, leaving many to question whether NHS dentistry will continue to be a viable option for those who need it most.
