§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he will take to improve health education in Wales(a) overall and (b) in respect of dental health.
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§ Mr. Gwilym Jones(a) The Health Promotion Authority for Wales has published a series of strategic documents entitled "Plans for Action". The latest document in this series, published in July 1992, presents specific health targets, many seeking improved lifestyles and enabling progress to be measured against the extensive health surveys undertaken throughout Wales.
Under the new GP contract health promotion arrangements, GPs are required by their terms of service to provide health promotion advice to their patients. New arrangements from 1 July 1993 will ensure that their advice will be delivered within a framework of national and local priorities.
(b) The Health Promotion Authority for Wales has appointed an oral and dental adviser with responsibility for dental health education in Wales.
The Welsh Office's recently issued oral health protocol laid down a number of major service targets relating to dental health education including the provision that dentists offer advice to patients on these issues.