A retrospective analysis of NHS patient dental charges in England, Scotland and Wales

Objectives This analysis aimed to: i) review how patient dental charges (PDCs) changed over time in England, Scotland and Wales; ii) determine how these changes relate to a) inflation and b) minimum wages; and iii) how the charges have varied in the devolved administrations.Methods Data were obtained from NHS and Office for National Statistics (ONS) records and historical valuations of the national living wage (NLW). General inflation was calculated using the ONS Consumer Price Index.Results PDCs differed significantly between countries in relation to cost; which aspects of dental care require a charge; and value of payments (p <0.001). PDCs in England for simple, intermediate and more complex care rose from £15.90, £43.60 and £194.00 in 2007, to £25.80, £70.70 and £306.80 in 2023. Adjusted for inflation, the 2007 prices equate to £25.53, £70.02 and £311.55, demonstrating that the relative costs have remained constant in England. In Wales, 2007 prices (inflation-adjusted):2023 prices for the three complexities of treatment were £19.27:£14.80, £62.23:£47.33 and £284.25:£204.43. In Scotland, PDCs for the four treatment items fell marginally when adjusted for inflation. The ratio of PDC:NLW fell by an average of 13.8% in England and 30.7% in Wales.Conclusions There has been significant variation in the approach to PDCs across Great Britain both in terms of nominal costs and the degree to which these have kept pace with inflation.