§ 28. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list in the OFFICIAL REPORT items of dental treatment which a patient may require but which may not be provided under his regulations by a dental practitioner under the National Health Service.
§ 52. Mr. Kenneth Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will carry out a review of the list of treatment which cannot be provided by a dental practitioner under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. CrossmanWhen a dentist has accepted a patient for treatment under the general dental services, he is required to provide or arrange for the provision of all treatment necessary to secure dental fitness that the patient is willing to undergo.
§ Mr. PavittIs my right hon. Friend aware that a large number of patients are persuaded to pay for private treatment when the same treatment, and equally good cosmetic results, can be attained through the National Health Service? Will he take steps to advise patients of their rights in this respect?
§ Mr. CrossmanYes, there are grievances here. Patients should put their complaints against dentists to the executive council concerned. If they are aggrieved with the decision of the Dental Estimates Board then they can appeal to me, and I hope that they know that.
§ Mr. LewisIs the Minister aware that when people are asked to pay extra for dental treatment of one sort or another, or even for spectacles, they would not mind doing this, if the increase is reasonable, provided that they get back the money in decreased taxes, rather than that the Government should waste it in some other direction?
§ Mr. CrossmanI will hear that in mind and would advise my hon. Friends to approach their dentists in that spirit.