HC Deb 02 March 1999 vol 326 c672W
Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the average annual cost of treatment per patient attending an NHS dentist. [72650]

Mr. Denham

The average cost of an adult course of treatment in England and Wales in the quarter ending December 1998 was £33.84.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the number of dental patients in the last year for which figures are available who failed to received necessary treatment due to an inability to pay. [72651]

Mr. Denham

Help with paying charges is available through the National Health Service low income scheme for those who cannot afford to pay dental charges. In addition, anyone on income support, income based Job Seeker's Allowance, family credit or disability working allowance receives free dental treatment, as do all children.