§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists in each health district in Lancashire are employed by family health services authorities to carry out urgent dental treatment. [21668]
§ Mr. MaloneInformation about the number of dentists working in the emergency dental service is not available centrally.
175WGeneral dental practitioners, who are independent contractors, have an obligation under their terms of service to provide emergency cover for their registered patients. They may also offer emergency treatment to unregistered patients. Any unregistered patient who needs urgent treatment should seek the help of his or her family health services authority which can make arrangements for emergency treatment for them.
Two salaried dentists are employed by Lancashire family health services authority.