§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent dental caries is an infection; and what steps are being taken by his Department to prevent the spread of infection.
§ Sir K. JosephThere is abundant experimental evidence to support the view that dental caries is an infection, but factors unique to the oral environment reduce its comparability with infections in other parts of the body. Oral hygiene instruction and advice as well as treatment of active caries are available through the general dental services. The need for the inclusion of additional 369W measures is a matter which the Working Party on the Dental Services will be considering.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the overall economic cost of the short-term neglect of dental care and regular treatment, which results in a higher cost for extensive dental work and the treatment of dental emergencies.
§ Sir K. JosephI regret it is not practicable to make such an estimate. The new system of proportionate charges offers an incentive to patients to visit their dentists regularly and thereby to avoid the need for extensive care and many emergencies.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will monitor all changes in dental health and dental staffing that are following his changes in the financial basis of dental care within the National Health Service and publish separate reports at appropriate times.
§ Sir K. JosephI assured the British Dental Association that I would watch treatment statistics carefully following the introduction of the present system of charges, and consider with it at an appropriate time whether any changes were necessary. It is still too early to reach final conclusions on the effect of the system.