The government has announced that NHS dental charges are to be frozen at the same rates as 2009 for 2010/11.
Speaking on Thursday (March 25th), Health Minister Mike O'Brien said the cost of dental charges in England will remain at £16.50 for band one, £45.60 for band two and £198 for band three treatments.
Band one covers basic treatment such as routine check-ups, dental scaling and polishing, while intermediate treatment such as fillings and tooth extractions come under band two. Band three includes more complex work such as dental crowns, bridges and dentures .
Mr O'Brien also revealed that the cost of a prescription in England will be frozen at £7.20 per item in 2010/11, while prepayment certificates, which cover all prescription costs for a set period, will stay at £28.25 for three months and £104 for 12 months.
A Department of Health spokesperson said: "This year, in light of the overall low inflation rates during the past 12 months, there will be no increase in NHS prescription, and dental charges and optical voucher values."
The move will come as a welcome boost for consumers and patients who are struggling to afford dental care in the current economic climate.




