NHS vows to investigate wrongful dental fines for patients

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The NHS has vowed to investigate wrongful dental fines for patients, as research suggests that more than 40,000 people a year are being fined as a result of errors made by an automated system. The system, which is designed to prevent fraudulent claims for free dental care, does not compensate for genuine errors made by people who are eligible for free treatment, and dentists are worried that the mistakes are hitting the most vulnerable members of society.

A random screening process is used by the NHS to ensure that people who claim free NHS dental treatment are actually eligible for discounts. However, dentists are worried that people, such as patients with dementia and disabilities, are receiving fines for errors as innocuous as ticking the wrong box on paperwork handed out by dental surgeries. It is estimated that around 40,000 people per year are receiving fines worth £100.

Dentists are worried that the situation is only going to get worse as a result of the ageing population and the NHS has vowed to investigate the system. Health chiefs have also promised to improve the process in order to prevent wrongful fines from being handed out. Of those who have appealed against wrongful fines, around 90 percent have been successful.

Loughborough dentist, Charlotte Waite, said that this is a problem dentists are encountering every day and claims that confusion has become a “barrier to care.” People who receive fines are embarrassed about being accused of fraudulent activity and this can make them apprehensive about attending dental appointments even though they have made honest mistakes. Mrs Waite, vice-chair of community dental services committee for the British Dental Association England, is leading a campaign to try and put a stop to fines for the elderly and those with dementia and learning difficulties.

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