Nhs patients being overcharged

New figures from the Conservative Party show that patients are being overcharged for NHS dental work by up to £109 million a year. The Conservatives surveyed every PCT in England to find out

how many patients were having to go back to their dentist within a three-month period for treatment and were paying more than once. They claim that the data shows that dentists were

splitting the course of treatments in order to charge twice. Patients have to pay once for each course of treatment and, if they need further work within two months of completing that

course, they do not have to pay anything extra. The Conservative party say that dentists are recalling patients after the two month period in order to earn more money. Guidance from the

National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) says no patient should be called back to their dentist for a check-up within three months. The Conservatives claim that if the

advice from NICE had been followed, then up to 6.5 million slots could have been freed up for people who do not have an NHS dentist, and patients would also have saved up to £109 million in

incorrect dental charges. Shadow health secretary Andrew Lansley attacked Labour for taking too long to accept its dental contract was flawed, commenting, 'The Government urgently needs

to admit that the dental contract has been a monumental failure, get a grip and put an end to these practices immediately.' However, The British Dental Health Foundation warned that

patients could be put off dental check-ups and urged politicians to remember their duty. Foundation Chief Executive Dr Nigel Carter said, 'Negative messages run the risk of undermining

Britain's oral health. For nearly 40 years we have campaigned with the key message advising people to visit their dentist regularly – as often as they recommend. This is so important to

dental health, its systemic links to overall health issues such as diabetes, and in checking for mouth cancer, which kills one person every five hours in the UK.' RIGHTS AND

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