NHS Band
One of three treatment charge categories (Band 1, 2, or 3) used in the NHS dental system in England and Wales to determine the patient charge for a course of treatment.
Full Definition
NHS dental treatment in England and Wales is charged at one of three flat-rate 'bands' depending on the complexity of the treatment provided within a course of care. Band 1 covers examination, diagnosis, and preventive care; Band 2 includes fillings, extractions, and root canal treatment; Band 3 encompasses crowns, dentures, and bridges. Each band is associated with a fixed patient charge, subject to annual revision. Editors working on NHS dental documents, patient communications, and claim forms must apply 'Band' with a capital 'B' and the numeral (Band 1, Band 2, Band 3), not 'band one' or 'tier'.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise 'Band' and use numerals: Band 1, Band 2, Band 3. Do not write 'band one', 'Band One', or 'tier'. Distinguish the patient charge band from the UDA value assigned to each band for contractor payment purposes.
In Context
- "The patient was charged at Band 2 for the course of treatment, which included two fillings and a tooth extraction." — NHS dental patient charge receipt
- "The draft patient letter referred to 'tier 3 treatment'; this was corrected to 'Band 3' to align with NHS terminology." — Editorial review note on patient correspondence