§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services why only medical practitioners are permitted to prescribe on the National Health Service fluoride tablets for the prevention of dental decay and dentists have not the same right; 640W and what is his estimate of the loss of time and public expenditure when a dentist refers his patient to his family practioner to obtain this service.
§ Mr. MoyleThe National Health Service Acts have always provided that prescriptions by dentists on the official form for dispensing in the NHS pharmaceutical services are limited to a list of specified preparations. This list does not include fluoride tablets, the use of which, as explained in my reply to my hon. Friend on 10th January, has not been found satisfactory as a community health measure against dental decay. It is impossible to make any estimate of the kind requested.—[Vol. 923, c.428.]
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now permit qualified dentists within the National Health Service to prescribe fluoride tablets for patients with high decay rates and those who have medical conditions which render them at high risk during dental treatment.
§ Mr. MoyleNo. The use of fluoride tablets is not a satisfactory preventive health measure, either for such patients or for the community generally, since experience has shown that the necessary regularity of administration is rarely achieved. The fluoridation of water supplies is a far more effective preventive measure against dental decay.