HC Deb 13 January 1971 vol 809 cc59-60W
43. Earl of Dalkeith

asked Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of children in Scotland make use of the school dental service and what steps he is taking to encourage greater participation in the facilities available.

Mr. Edward Taylor

In the year ended 31st July, 1969, school dental officers examined 408,000 children, or 44 per cent. of the total school population in Scotland. 267,000 children were offered treatment and of these 138,600, or 52 per cent., accepted. In addition some 385,000 children aged 5 to 15 were treated by general dental practitioners.

National campaigns to promote dental health education, mainly directed at young people, are undertaken by my right hon. Friend's Department's Health Education Unit with the co-operation of local authorities.