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The cost of NHS dental treatment is set to increase in Wales next week.

From April 1, the cost of a Band 1 treatment, which includes examination, x-rays, and a scale and polish, will increase from £14.70 to £20.

A Band 2 treatment, which includes fillings, extractions, and root canal treatments, will rise from £47 to £60.

Meanwhile, Band 3 treatments, which includes crowns, dentures, and bridges, will be hiked from £203 to £260.

Urgent and out of hours treatment will more than double in cost, rising from from £14.70 to £30.

The Welsh Government has said the revenue made from the price increases – which it highlighted are still lower than costs in England – will be put back into NHS dentistry services.

Wales’ health secretary, Eluned Morgan, said: “Because of the extreme pressure on our budget, we have had to consider if additional funding should be raised by increasing dentistry charges.

“This is the first increase we have made to dentistry charges since 2020.

“Around half of patients don’t pay for their NHS dental treatment and we will continue to protect those that are least able to afford to pay.”

Around 50% of people receive NHS dental treatment for free in Wales.

Among those eligible for free treatment include children under 18, those aged 18 and in full time education, pregnant women or those who have had a baby within the 12 months of treatment starting.

Anyone who has dentistry treatment carried out in a hospital or people on certain benefits are also eligible.

According to the Welsh Government, investment in NHS dentistry has increased by £27m since 2018/19.

Mrs Morgan added: “It is vital we all keep our teeth and gums healthy. This is why we are working to make it easier for people to see an NHS dentist by increasing the number of new NHS places and helping dentists to focus on those who need help by changing how often we see a dentist for routine appointments.”

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