§ Mr. SarwarTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many dentists currently treat NHS patients in Scotland; and if he will make a statement. [59218]
§ Mr. GalbraithAt 30 September 1998, the latest date for which figures are available, there were 1,858 principal dentists recorded on Health Board dental lists to provide NHS general dental services. There were also 96 vocational trainees and 62 assistant dentists working to principal dentists. In addition, NHS patients may be treated by the Community Dental Service and the Hospital Dental Service which employed at 30 September 1997 (latest available figures) 278 and 314 dentists respectively.
§ Mr. SarwarTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the average cost of NHS treatment per patient in Scotland in the last year for which figures are available. [59217]
§ Mr. GalbraithThe average cost of NHS treatment per head of population in Scotland in 1996–97 was £504.