§ Mr. ViggersTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the quality of root canal fillings carried out within the General Dental Service and of the level of remuneration for dentists for that work. [51534]
§ Mr. MilburnThe quality of all types of dental treatment from simple to complex, including root canal fillings, are regularly assessed on an individual patient sample basis by the Dental Reference Service. The level of remuneration for dental treatment is set down in a fee scale in the Statement of Dental Remuneration which is reviewed each year in the light of recommendations made by the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body after considering evidence from both the dental profession and the Department.
§ Mr. ViggersTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to withdraw the use of aldehydes as an ingredient for root canal sealers within the National Health Service. [51535]
§ Mr. MilburnThis is a matter of clinical judgment. Dentists have a duty under the arrangements they make to provide general dental services to employ a proper degree of skill and attention and use only suitable materials.