The National Health Service (Dental Charges) Regulations 1989

Regulation 8(2) and (3)

SCHEDULE 3 CHARGES FOR MORE EXPENSIVE SUPPLIES AND REPAIRS – GENERAL DENTAL SERVICES

PART I AMOUNT OF CHARGE

1.  The amount of the charge which may be made and recovered under regulation 8(2) is, subject to paragraph 2, £x plus £y where–

(a) £x is the amount of the charge which would be payable by the patient under section 78 of the Act in respect of the supply or repair of the appliance if it were an appliance of the basic type;

(b) £y is the difference between–

(i) the cost of supplying or repairing the more expensive appliance; and

(ii) the fees payable to the dental practitioner in accordance with Determination I of the Statement of Dental Remuneration in respect of the supply or repair of an appliance of the basic type, disregarding for this purpose any maximum fee in respect of combinations of dentures.

2.  The aggregate of £x and the charges payable by the patient under section 78 and 79 of the Act in respect of services provided in pursuance of the contract or arrangement other than the supply or repair of the appliance (“the other charges”) shall not exceed £150, so that–

(a) where the other charges are £150 or more, the amount of the charge referred to in paragraph 1 is £y only;

(b) where the other charges are of an amount less than £150, £x shall not exceed the difference between that amount and £150.

PART II PROCEDURE

1.  A dental practitioner who agrees to a request referred to in regulation 8(2) shall–

(a) complete, on a dental estimate form, an estimate for the treatment of the patient, including the supply or repair of an appliance of the basic type;

(b) complete a further estimate, on the supplementary estimate form set out in Determination VI of the Statement of Dental Remuneration or on a form to the like effect, of the cost of supplying or repairing the more expensive appliance;

(c) require the patient to sign both estimates;

(d) submit both estimates to the Board for approval of the treatment.

2.  If the Board approves the estimates, it shall determine and indicate in the appropriate parts of the dental estimate form–

(a) the amount of the charge to be made and recovered under sections 78 and 79 of the Act for the treatment set out in the estimate referred to in paragraph 1(a), other than for the supply or repair of an appliance of the basic type;

(b) the amount of the charge which may be made and recovered under regulation 8(2) for the supply or repair of the more expensive appliance.

3.  It is a condition of the approval by the Board of any estimate submitted under paragraph 1 that the dental practitioner shall comply, in respect of any such estimate, with the conditions with respect to materials set out in Determination III of the Statement of Dental Remuneration.