§ Mr. Burstow:To ask the Secretary of State for Health what the average cost of dental treatment per (a) adult and (b) child registered patient was in the last year for which figures are available. [141754]
§ Ms Rosie Winterton:The average costs of a course of dental treatment in the general dental service for adult and children in England for the financial year 2002–03 are shown in the table.
These costs are for payment made to the dentist for dental treatment and include the patient charges where applicable. Dentists also receive additional payments, unrelated to treatment provided, in recognition of the continuing care responsibility for registered patients. These payments contribute approximately 23 per cent. of dentists' gross earnings. Other additional payments, unrelated to treatment, contribute a further 10 per cent. of dentists gross earnings.
Dentists receive a capitation payment for each child registered. The average cost of dental treatment for children excludes treatments covered by capitation payments.
General Dental Service: Average cost of dental treatment—2002–03 England £ Children 36.6 Adult 37.3 Source:
Dental Practice Board
763W