MP's bid over dental fees is paying off (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

MP's bid over dental fees is paying off

Ms Snelgrove Picture Ref: 72773-59NHS dentists in Swindon could soon be forced to scrap what have been described as joining fees following pressure from MP Anne Snelgrove.

The South Swindon MP raised concerns in June and July that charges were being made to patients while they were in the process of being accepted as NHS patients.

She became aware that some patients were being charged for a preliminary check-up, a practice legal under current contractual arrangements.

Minister of state at the Department of Health Rosie Winterton has now confirmed newly-published draft General Dental Service contractual arrangements include measures to prohibit dentists from charging a fee as a prerequisite to the provision of NHS dental services.

Ms Snelgrove, pictured, said: "Any type of charging presents an unacceptable barrier to people who are most at need of treatment, that is why I have opposed this questionable practice.

"The Minister's announcement takes us a step closer to achieving the objective set out in my speech to the House of Commons that of bringing in a dental service that truly reflects local needs."

Speaking in the House of Commons on June 29, the MP stated that such charges might explain why the registration of children in Swindon has decreased slightly but adult registration has increased.

She added that in spite of this, 69 per cent of children in Swindon are registered, which is six per cent above the national average.