465,000 hit by £100 NHS dentist fines
NEARLY half a million £100 fines have been slapped on dentists’ patients for wrongly claiming free treatment.
Figures reveal 465,569 fines were paid by 117,882 patients over three years.
The British Dental Association’s statistics also show over 85% of appealed fines were overturned.
Dentists say incorrectly describing benefits or failing to renew documents can trigger charges, which rise to £150 if there is a delay in payment.
The NHS Business Services Authority has promised to overhaul the system, which rakes in around £4million a year.
The BDA’s Henrik Overgaard-Nielsen said: “This piles anxiety on vulnerable patients and their carers.”