The rise in NHS charges could prove, “another nail in the coffin of NHS dentistry”, a North East MP has forecast.

On the day NHS charges rise by 8.5 per cent in England, the British Dental Association (BDA) has warned it could increase the growing ratio of people delaying or going without treatment on their teeth.

But Durham City MP Mary Kelly Foy fears the cost of NHS dentistry will be beyond the affordable price range for many needy patients.

The BDA blames the rising cost of dental treatment as one of the main reasons would-be patients give a visit to the dentists a miss, even when treatment could reduce the likelihood of further dental work being required in the future.

Read more: Warnings parts of England becoming ‘dental deserts’ due to NHS dentist shortage

Members of the association, said it was concerned patients are not seeking the help they need, purely because of the prohibitive cost.

A new poll by YouGov, commissioned by the BDA, revealed that of a sample of 1,723 adults in England, 23 per cent reported having delayed or gone without NHS dental treatment for reasons of cost.

Responding to the survey findings, Ms Mary Kelly Foy said: “This record rise in the cost of treatment is likely another nail in the coffin of NHS dentistry.

“These price hikes won’t stem the flow of dentists out of the NHS but it will absolutely make dentistry unaffordable for many.

“Access to a dentist should not be a luxury, it is an integral part of a functioning health system.”

The Labour MP added: “This is yet another example of a tired Tory government showing they are out of touch with ordinary people facing a cost of living crisis.

“Some treatments will now be £100 cheaper in Wales than in England.

“That’s the difference Labour in power can make."

Darlington's Conservative MP, Peter Gibson, who has fought to improve dental provision for constituents, conceded: “We still face immense challenges in dentistry locally.

“But, I have worked hard to secure additional commission from NHS England and am pleased that additional provision at a higher rate is currently up for tender which will increase provision.

“I would encourage people asking to see a dentist in the first instance to outline their complaint and establish if the dentist can see them.

“It is not necessary to be on a dentist’s list like with a GP.”

He added: “I continue to press ministers and the NHS to improve capacity, funding and provision in Darlington.”

The 8.5 per cent price hike now in force means the cost of band 1 treatment, such as a check-up, will increase from £23.80 to £25.80, while dental work in band 2, such as a filling, will increase from £65.20 to £70.70.

Forms of band 3 treatment, such as dentures, will increase from £282.80 to £306.80.

In the poll, people were told that NHS dentistry is currently funded by a mix of direct Government contributions from general taxation and direct charges to patients.

They were asked: “Thinking about how NHS dentistry should be funded, going forward, which of the following, if any, comes closest to your view?”

Some 38 per cent of those responding to the question said dentistry should be fully funded by the Government through general taxation, effectively free at the point of delivery.

Meanwhile, 29 per cent said funding from the Government should increase, while maintaining some patient charges.

Overall, only 16 per cent said charge levels should remain unchanged.

Furthermore, 82 per cent of people surveyed said exemptions should cover cancer patients, whose treatment can cause dental problems.

When asked: “Have you ever delayed or gone without an NHS dental treatment that you needed?”, 26 per cent of those responding said they had gone without and 19pc said they had, at least, delayed.

When asked why, 53 per cent said treatment costs too much, while 34 per cent said they could not get an appointment and 13pc thought treatment would be too painful.

On the main factors that influence what type of treatment people choose, 45 per cent said the price, while a lower proportion, 36 per cent, said the clinical recommendations of their dentist.

A fifth cited quality of appearance after treatment as a factor, while 18pc blamed appointment availability.

The BDA is urging the Government to halt any further planned increase in charges next year.

It said that while some adult patients are exempt from charges, many on modest incomes still have to pay, including recipients of low-income benefits such as Universal Credit.

The BDA argues that price rises are simply becoming a substitute for Government investment.

Read more: Darlington dentist crisis to take 2 years to clear residents warned

It told the Commons Health and Social Care Committee inquiry last month that saving NHS dentistry requires a sustainable funding settlement.

BDA chairman, Eddie Crouch, said: “This hike won’t put a penny into NHS dentistry, it will just force millions to think twice about needed care.

“Sadly, widening health inequality is a price this Government seems willing to pay to cover for cuts.

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* Mapped: here's where you can sign up to an NHS dentist in the North East

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“This is not a partisan issue. The public recognises this is not the way to fund a core part of our health service.”

The charges coming into effect today (Monday, April 24) apply to NHS patients in England only.

Devolved Governments in the other UK countries have a differing payment method and exemption policies.