§ Sir Geoffrey Finsbergasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many deaths under anaesthetic occurred in dentists' surgeries in each of the last full two years for which figures are available; if he will list the dentists involved in each case; what action has been taken by himself or National Health Service institutions against the dentists concerned; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John Patten[pursuant to his reply, 11 May 1984, c. 498–99]: Three deaths occurred in 1982 and four deaths in 1983 following the administration of general anaesthetic in dentists' surgeries. It would not be proper to reveal the names of the dental surgeons and anaesthetists involved since information on these cases is collected on a strictly 167W confidential basis for statistical purposes only. I can, however, say that, in relation to the deaths which occurred in 1982, the anaesthetics were administered by a consultant anaesthetist, a general medical practitioner and in one case a general dental practitioner operating single-handedly. In 1983 the anaesthetics were administered in three cases by consultant anaesthetists and in one instance by a general dental practitioner operating single-handedly.I understand that none of 1982 deaths was referred to the General Dental Council but the conduct of the dentist in 1983 was considered by the council with the result that his name has been erased from the dentists' register.