§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is the cost to the National Health Service of fillings to teeth carried out by the dental service for the most recent 12 month period for which figures are available; and what was the real cost for the same period 10 years previously;
(2) what was the total number of gold crowns authorised for fitting to National Health Service patients during the most recent 12 month period for which figures are available; what was the average cost of supplying gold crowns; and what was the charge made to non-exempt patients.
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§ Mr. HayhoeThe cost of fillings carried out in the general dental service in England in 1984 was £152.1 million. The cost in 1974 was £158.6 million at 1984 prices.
In 1984, 632,000 gold crowns were provided under the general dental service in England. The average cost of these crowns (excluding the cost of any cores, posts, pins or screws) was £69.30. The charge for these crowns was £50 if the course of treatment started in the first three months of 1984 and £59 for the remainder of the year.