§ Mr. EdwardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he gives to(a) dentists and (b) general practitioners on removing from their lists patients who have not attended for a period of time; and what plans he has to review this guidance. [15393]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department does not issue guidance to general dental practitioners on removing patients. Under current regulations, dentists' terms of service provide that a continuing care arrangement or a capitation arrangement shall lapse at the end of the 16th month beginning with the month in which the patient was first accepted by the dentists or the arrangement was last extended. Continuing care arrangements apply to patients who are 18 years of age or older; capitation arrangements to patients who are under 18. A continuing care or capitation arrangement is extended when a patient attends the dentist for treatment or for a check-up.
The Department does not issue guidance to general practitioners on removing patients who have not attended their practice for a period of time. However, GPs' terms of service require them to invite patients for a consultation where they have not been seen for a period of three years.