Take good care of your teeth…..visit an NHS dentist

Over the next few weeks NHS Suffolk will be delivering over 50,000 postcards to households in the Suffolk Coastal region, reminding people to take good care of their teeth and to visit their local NHS dentist.

With over 110 dental surgeries across the county the message is that everyone can get to an NHS dentist.

There’s no need to worry about the cost – the postcards give a clear and simple explanation of the price bands for treatment.

Clare Banyard, head of primary care at NHS Suffolk, said: “Our message is loud and clear – you can get an NHS dentist in Suffolk. We’re making it easier for people to have regular check-ups at local dentists’ surgeries. Problems with your teeth can then be detected at an early stage.”

Treatment is free for those aged under 18, while information about additional cost exemptions is available at www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk. For those not exempt from payment, treatment is divided into three bands with set prices starting from £16.50.

You can find your nearest dentist by calling PALS, the Patient Advice and Liaison Service, on 0800 389 6819.

There are 3 bands of NHS dental treatments:

Band 1 course of treatment = £16.50
This covers an examination, diagnosis (e.g. X-rays), advice on how to prevent future problems, a scale and polish if needed and application of fluoride varnish or fissure sealants. If you require urgent care, even if your urgent treatment needs more than one appointment to complete, you will only need to pay one Band 1 charge.

Band 2 course of treatment = £45.60
This includes everything listed in Band 1 above, plus any further treatment such as fillings, root canal work of if your dentist needs to take out one or more of your teeth.

Band 3 course of treatment = £198.00
This covers everything listed in Bands 1 and 2 above, plus crowns, dentures or bridges.

For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk