HC Deb 22 November 1977 vol 939 cc660-1W
41. Mr. Rathbone

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has reached any conclusion from his consideration as to how dental patients can best establish with their dentists that treatment is to be under National Health Service arrangements; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ennals

the General Dental Council is shortly issuing a notice to all registered dentists, which underlines their responsibility to make it clear to the patient whether he has been accepted to receive treatment under NHS regulations or privately with an indication of the probable cost. The notice also states that in general the Council considers that any act or omission by a dentist in connection with his practice, which is calculated to mislead the public, may be held to constitute infamous or disgraceful conduct. I welcome this most helpful initiative by the Council, which should put an end to any legitimate source of grievance in this matter.