§ 22. Mr. John Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Wales what proposals he has for improving the dental health service in Wales.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattThe year 1970 brought a small but welcome improvement in the number of dentists practising in Wales and the number of courses of treatment given has shown an upward trend in recent years. The presence of the new Dental School in Cardiff has helped and Wales should gain a continuing improvement as the School turns out more qualified dentists.
§ Mr. MorrisDoes the Minister agree with his colleague the Secretary of State for Social Services when the latter took the House into his confidence by disclosing that the new system for dental charges will give financial incentives to patients to look after their teeth? What thought has he given to putting more of this philosophy into practice?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattPatients who visit the dentist regularly will pay less than they do under the present system. There are financial arguments in favour of visiting a dentist regularly rather than neglecting one's oral health.