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<p>Our latest Dental Statistics Annual Report for England shows signs of improvements
in people’s access to National Health Service dentistry. NHS dental activity, as measured
by Courses of Treatments delivered, has increased by 23% between 2021/22 and 2022/23.
Dental Statistics is available at the following link:</p><p><a href="https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-dental-statistics"
target="_blank">https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-dental-statistics</a></p><p>The
Department has produced an Impact Assessment in respect of the uplift of National
Health Service dental charges for patients in England from 24 April, which is available
at the following link:</p><p><a href="https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2023/367/impacts/2023/41"
target="_blank">https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2023/367/impacts/2023/41(opens
in a new tab)</a></p><p> </p><p>Alongside this, and in line with our Public Sector
Equality duty, the Department has also considered the impact of the change on equality
and on those from disadvantaged groups.</p><p>Dental patient charges remain an important
contribution to the overall NHS budget. 47.3% of courses of treatment were delivered
to non-paying adults and children in 2021/22</p><p>We continue to provide financial
support to those who need it most by offering exemptions to NHS dental patient charges,
and support through the low-income scheme for patients who meet the eligibility criteria.
Further information is available at the following NHS website:</p><p><a href="https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/get-help-with-dental-costs/"
target="_blank">https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/dental-costs/get-help-with-dental-costs/</a></p><p>No
assessment has been undertaken on the impact on families who opt to access care from
a private dentist.</p>
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