§ 40. Mr. Hugh Jenkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, in view of continuing concern in the dental profession about the effect of his decision to reduce the age of free dental treatment from 21 years to 18 years and the opposition of the Inner London Executive Council, he will reconsider this decision.
§ Sir K. JosephI have nothing to add to my reply on 13th July, 1971, to the hon. Member for Salford, East (Mr. Frank Allaun).—[Vol. 821, c. 188–9.]
§ 52. Mr. John Wellsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the average time that the Dental Estimates Board takes to give approval for treatment when a dental surgeon is required to seek prior approval.
§ Sir K. JosephA recent check by the board showed that, including weekends and public holidays, just over 82 per cent. of estimates for treatment—other than orthodontic treatment—requiring prior approval were approved within eight days of receipt and 93½ per cent. within 10 days.
§ 56. Mr. Roger Whiteasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many dentists are employed by the National Health Service in South-East England; and, in particular, what is the number attending schools and clinics.
§ Mr. AlisonFollowing is the information:
DENTISTS EMPLOYED IN SOUTH EAST ECONOMIC PLANNING REGION Number Hospital and Specialist Services 345* General Dental Services 5,196 School and Priority Dental Services of Local Authorities 531* * Whole-time equivalent. NOTES:
1. Figures for hospital and general dental services are as at 30th September, 1971: those for the local authority services as at 31st December, 1970.
2. Dentists employed in local authority dental services carry out inspections at schools and provide treatment at clinics.