Dentist charges to increase

Charges for NHS dental treatment in England will increase by 5% this year and next, the government has announced.

• Band 1 treatments - including an examination, X-rays and a scale and polish - will rise from £18.90 to £19.70 in April and then to £20.60 in April 2017.
• Band 2 treatments - including fillings, root canals and extractions - will rise from £51.30 to £53.90 in April and then to £56.30 in April 2017.
• Band 3 treatments - including crowns, dentures and bridges - will rise from £222.50 to £233.70 in April and then to £244.30 in April 2017

Children, pregnant women and people on low incomes get free treatment.

The government said the charges would affect "those who can afford it" and it was "protecting the most vulnerable".

The British Dental Association said the rise was "unprecedented" and would damage the nation's teeth.