THERE will be an increase in all prescription and dental charges from September 1.

The changes will affect NHS prescriptions and dental treatment charges, following the approval of Tynwald in its July sitting.

Prescription charges will increase from £3.25 to £3.85 per item dispensed.

Patients who are in receipt of regular medication and who are not exempt from paying can purchase a pre-payment certificate.

These are available for either a four month period at a cost of £19 or for a twelve month period at a cost of £54.

This enables the patient to have as many prescriptions dispensed during this period as required, without further charges being levied.

Dental treatment charges will increase from £15.50 to £16.50 for band one treatment which covers routine examinations, x-rays, a scale and polish and urgent and out of hours care.

Band two treatment which covers all the necessary treatment covered by band one plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions will rise from £42.40 to £45.60.

Band three treatment which covers band one and two treatment plus more complex procedures such as crowns, dentures and bridges will rise from £189 to £198.

Both sets of charges were last reviewed in 2006.

The prescription charge in the Isle of Man remains significantly lower than that in England, which currently stands at £7.20 per item.

What do you think about the increase in these charges? Let us know by leaving a comment below.