I have recently had quite a bit of dental treatment done on the NHS and had to pay around £60.00.

This is something that I've never fully understood. Is the dentist paid a salary by the NHS then monies he collects goes to the government? If this is the case aren't we paying twice ie National Insurance and taxes for the provision of the service then again when we have treatment?

The same goes for prescriptions. We have already paid in taxes then we have to pay again when having medicines.

Just had another thought. We don't have to pay for medicines when we are in hospital but if given a prescrition by a hospital doctor we do, why?

Becuase the Government just makes everything SO complicated.
That's why!!

Go and have a look here for a simple guide:

Simple guide to dental charging (http://www.markpreston.uklinux.net/nhsFeesAug2003.php3)

Or for an even simpler guide, provided by the government, go here:

Simpler guide to dental charging (http://www.doh.gov.uk/nhscharges/hc12.htm#dent)
Sorry about the first one.:blush:

Thanks Max.

It tells me what I already know, that I have to pay for NHS treatment. So I (we) are paying twice. First we pay thro taxes then we pay 80% of cost of treatment.

Whilst I agree with the principal that those unable to pay should get health services for free it seems unfair that some people pay twice. As this has always been the case irrespective of which political party is in power am I missing an obvious point here.