How much do I have to pay for NHS dental treatment?

NHS dental treatment is free to everyone aged under 18, those aged 18 in full-time education and pregnant women and nursing mothers, until the baby is 12 months old.

Others on low income may be able to get help with costs. Please take evidence of any entitlement to free dental treatment with you to the dentist.

An NHS dental examination in Scotland is free of charge for everyone. Following a dental examination, the dentist will advise you on any treatment you require and the likely cost. They must also provide an itemised account, if requested.

NHS patients who pay for their treatment pay 80% of the treatment costs (including any X-rays), up to £384 per course of treatment. A dentist can ask for payment in advance.

The following list shows patient charges for some common treatments:

Examinations: Free

Two small X-rays: £4.56

Scale and polish and simple gum treatment: £10.44

Small filling: £7.08

Large filling: £18.20

Extraction - single tooth: £6.52

WHAT IS... BURSITIS?

Bursitis is inflammation (swelling) of a bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac under the skin, normally found over the joints and between tendons and bones.

Bursae act as cushions between two surfaces that rub against each other, such as bones, muscles, joints and tendons, helping to reduce friction.

Symptoms: Pain (usually a dull ache in the affected body part, and made worse by movement or pressure); tenderness in the affected body part; swelling of the affected body part, and loss of movement in the affected body part.

Diagnosis: Your GP will usually be able to make a confident diagnosis of bursitis by carrying out a physical examination of the affected body part, and asking you some questions.

My dad recently had a spell in hospital with pneumonia. Can you tell me more about it?

Pneumonia is most commonly caused by bacteria and viruses, which are contagious. Good hygiene and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent pneumonia, particularly avoiding smoking as it damages your lungs and increases the chance of infection.

In the UK, pneumonia affects up to 11 in 1000 adults each year. It is more common during autumn and winter and can affect people of any age, although it is more common and can be more serious in groups such as: Babies, young children and elderly people, people who smoke, people with other health conditions, such as a lung condition or weakened immune system.

The most common cause of pneumonia is a pneumococcal infection caused by bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Excessive and prolonged alcohol misuse is known to weaken your lungs' natural defences against ­infections, making you more vulnerable to pneumonia.