§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list those health authorities or family health services authority, or health commissions in Wales where the level of community dental provision is being reduced and the level of salaried dental provision is being increased in 1995–96. [20311]
§ Mr. RedwoodIt is a matter for each health authority to determine, in the light of local circumstances, the appropriate level of community dental service provision for its area and information about this is not held centrally.
Family health services authorities can apply for permission to employ salaried dentists where and when they deem it necessary in accordance with local needs and circumstances. There are presently three salaried dentists in post in Wales. In addition, Dyfed family health services authority has recently been given permission to employ a second salaried dentist; Gwent family health services authority has approval in principle to appoint one; Gwynedd family health services authority has three vacant posts, and an application from Clwyd family health services authority is currently under consideration.
On 5 April, my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health announced the Government's plans for the reform of NHS 301W dentistry following the consultation on the Green Paper "Improving NHS Dentistry". That announcement restated the Government's commitment to strengthen the safety net role of the community dental service to meet the needs of patients in areas of the country where there is difficulty obtaining NHS treatment under the general dental service.
I have made available an extra £2.5 million to improve dental services in the community. Proposals from health authorities are currently under consideration by the Welsh Office.