The Department of Health has announced that changes are to be made to some NHS dental charges. From 1 April 2009, changes will be made to prescription charges and some dental treatments in England.

The maximum charge for complex NHS dental treatments, such as the fitting of crowns, bridges or dentures, will be frozen at the existing rate of £198. For the most common visits to the dentist, involving an examination, advice and any necessary X-rays or scale and polish, the charge will go up by 30 pence from £16.20 to £16.50 and the charge for intermediate treatments such as fillings or extractions will increase by £1 from £44.60 to £45.60.

Other changes in the wider NHS include an increase in the value of optical vouchers, and prescription charge exemption for people being treated for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment.