§ Mrs. BrookeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in Dorset were registered with an NHS dentist in April(a) 1990, (b) 1995 and (c) 2000. [15786]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 21 November 2001]: The number of general dental service registrations in Dorset health authority is shown in the table at 30 April for the years 1995 and 2000. There were no registrations in April 1990; registrations were introduced in October 1990.
April Children Adults Total 1995 100,015 325,207 425,222 2000 102,704 274,611 377,315 The figures for 1995 and 2000 cannot be compared. Registration rates were reduced by the shortening of the registration period for new registrations from 1996. For adults the period fell from 24 to 15 months. Children's registrations used to lapse at the end of the end of the following calendar year; they now last for 24 months.
§ Mrs. BrookeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists in Dorset are taking new adult NHS patients; and how many were taking new adult NHS patients in April 1990. [15787]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 21 November 2001]: Almost 66 general dental service dentists in Dorset are estimated to be taking on new adult patients. This is an estimate for August and is based on the number of dentists whose new registrations in August exceeded a minimum level.
Information for April 1990 about dentists taking on new patients is not available.