The government's decision to increase the cost of NHS dentistry has been met with heavy criticism by sectors of the profession.

The British Dental Association has slammed the latest above inflation increase in dental charges, announced last month. The Oral Health Foundation also called out the increase, labelling the price hike as a 'disgrace' and an appalling decision that will significantly impact the public's health.

The 5% increase in charges will see the cost of a routine check-up increase by £1.10 to £22.70, and the cost for a set of dentures increase by £12.80 to £269.30.

Dentist leaders have castigated ministers over recent increases which have provided cover for sustained cuts in state contributions to NHS dentistry. Net government expenditure on services in England has fallen by nearly £550 million in real terms since 2010, while charges levels have increased by over 30% to plug the gap.

Charges for complex NHS treatment over the past 5 years have increased 4 times faster in England than in Wales. Fees for treatments in Bands 2 and 3 have gone up by 23% since 2014/15 in England and are expected to rise by only 7% in the same period in Wales.

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Nearly 1 in 5 patients have delayed treatment for reasons of cost according to official statistics. Academic studies show 380,000 patients with toothache are choosing to head to their GPs, who are not subject to charges but are unequipped to provide dental treatment. The BDA estimates these appointments cost the NHS over £20 million a year. Some 135,000 patients per year are attending A&E units with dental problems.

The BDA's Chair of General Dental Practice Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen said: 'Despite pledges of record NHS investment, our patients are being singled out to pay more, just so ministers can pay less.

'These inflation-busting hikes don't put a penny of new investment into this service, and will do nothing for patients unable to find an appointment, or the practices struggling to recruit staff.

It is clear however, that the government continues to see it as a cash cow to prop up other areas of the health service.

'Dentists share the government's commitment to prevention, but we cannot make progress when low income, high needs patients keep being offered reasons not to attend.'

Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation, added: 'We have seen these price rises develop over many years and we fear it will soon push many of the population to breaking point.

'A significant U-turn needs to happen to make NHS dentistry more affordable. It is clear however, that the government continues to see it as a cash cow to prop up other areas of the health service.

'What makes this situation even more appalling is that while NHS charges for the public are increasing, investment is decreasing. NHS dentistry is dangerously underfunded and neglected by health ministers. It's overstretched and under-equipped to effectively care for the nation's needs.

'In addition to lower NHS dental costs, these countries have also invested in preventive programmes which have been highly effective in reducing dental disease in children. The success of Childsmile in Scotland and Designed to Smile in Wales must be replicated in England. For this to happen, government must put an end to the heavy and sustained cuts to funding and show their commitment to the nation's oral health and wellbeing.'