Members of Tynwald were told today that "mayhem and utter confusion" would reign if they didn't support new regulations for NHS dental charges.

New contracts for dentists commence on the first of April and many have installed new computer programmes and systems to deal with a new charging regime.

Announcing the charges, DHSS minister Steve Rodan said that the emphasis will be on preventative dentistry rather than the 'drilling and filling' policy of the past .

The average cost of a course of treatment is expected to reduce from ?300 to ?189 and the previous 400 charging methods will be reduced to four bands

However, while examination and assessment will be free the charge for an X-ray and one filling will increase by ?19.