§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the maximum standard charges which can be charged by dentists within the National Health Service; what arrangements exist for people on low incomes to be assisted in securing treatment; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Moyle:The maximum charge for routine treatment—that is, other than the provision of dentures, bridges, crowns, inlays, pinlays and gold fillings—is £5. There is a scale of charges for dentures and bridges of up to £20 for synthetic resin and up to £30 for metal or porcelain. 240W Crowns, inlays, pinlays and gold fillings are charged at £10 per tooth restored up to a maximum of £30. The provision of any combination of the above items and treatment is also subject to an overall maximum of £30.
Families getting supplementary benefit, family income supplement, or free milk or prescriptions because of low income get free dentures and dental treatment automatically. If there is not an automatic right, free dentures and treatment can still be obtained where the income is up to £2 .50 weekly above the supplementary benefit level. Above this income level help depends on the income and the amount of the charge. Details of these and other arrangements for helping people on low income are set out in leaflet M11 which is widely available in post offices and social security offices. A copy has been placed in the House of Commons Library.