HC Deb 25 July 1986 vol 102 cc746-7W
Mr. Key

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make preventive treatments available under the general dental service.

Mr. Hayhoe

I have agreed to the making of regulations which will permit topical fluoride to be available under the general dental service. Dentists will be able from 1 October to prescribe this treatment to children with special needs where they feel it to be of particular value. Further regulations will be made to permit the prescribing of fissure sealants as soon as agreement has been reached with the profession on points of detail. I understand that my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland will be laying similar regulations.