§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps she takes to monitor variations in quality between private dental treatments and those dental treatments offered under the national health service; and what are her findings;
(2) what plans she has to eliminate differences in quality between the national health service dental service and the services of the private sector.
§ Dr. MawhinneyPrivate dental treatment is a matter for the dentist and the patient. The Department does not monitor standards in the private sector but there is no reason to believe they are below those generally achieved in the national health service. The national health service general dental service provides registered patients with all the care and treatment necessary to secure and maintain their oral health. The dental reference service ensures that the quality of general dental services is maintained.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which areas of Sir Kenneth Bloomfield's review of the dental remuneration system she has implemented since its publication in 1992;
(2) what plans she has to eliminate the inefficiencies of the NHS dental service.
§ Dr. MawhinneyIn line with his terms of reference, Sir Kenneth Bloomfield's report identified options for reform of the dental remuneration system rather than specific recommendations. Our proposals will be announced shortly.