Patient fees for NHS dentistry will increase from April 2026, which dental experts have criticised as a ‘substitute for state investment’.
Charges in England will increase by an average of 1.71% beginning in April, with the new rates as follows:
- Band 1: £27.90 (up from £27.40)
- Band 2: £76.60 (up from £75.30)
- Band 3: £332.10 (up from £326.70).
The British Dental Association (BDA) acknowledged that the increase was below the level of inflation. However, it also accused the government of aping the previous Conservative leaders’ approach to ‘using an increase in charges as a substitute for state investment’.
According to the BDA, if state contributions had increased in line with patient charges since 2010, ‘there would now be sufficient resource in the pot to eliminate unmet need for dental care in England’. This unmet need is estimated to stand at nearly 14 million adults.
‘It won’t put a penny into a service on its knees’
Shiv Pabary, chair of the British Dental Association’s General Dental Practice Committee, said: ‘This hike is a slap in the face to millions on modest incomes. It won’t put a penny into a service on its knees. Patients will pay more, simply so ministers can pay less.
‘The prime minister claims he wants to “put money back into voters’ pockets”. He needs to explain these choices to the pensioners who will pay an extra fiver towards their next set of dentures.’
In February, prime minister Keir Starmer said ‘we are supporting families and putting money back in your pocket’ as he announced that prescription charges would be frozen. He continued: ‘No one’s health should be put at risk because they can’t afford medication.’
The BDA has now criticised the government’s ‘failure to apply this logic to oral health’ as a result of the NHS dental fee increase.
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