§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many salaried dentists there are in Wales.
§ Mr. David HuntThe latest figures available, as at 30 September 1990, show that there were 292 salaried dentists employed by district health authorities in the hospital and community service.
There are no salaried dentists employed by family health service authorities in Wales at present.
§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what advisory criteria his Department issues to family health service authorities in Wales by which cross-infection rates in dental surgeries are measured in both absolute and selective terms.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesNone. The Department issues guidance on cross-infection control from time to time and I refer to the answer given to the hon. Gentleman on 10 July 1991,Official Report, column 388.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning NHS dental patients in Wales.
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§ Mr. David HuntThe Government are committed to maintaining a comprehensive NHS dental service. It is for family health services authorities, in consultation with district health authorities, to manage general dental services in their areas. Should a family health services authority experience difficulty in securing adequate NHS provision from independent contractors to meet the needs of local residents, it can apply to my Department for approval to employ salaried dentists.
Any unregistered patient seeking NHS dental treatment can contact the local family health services authority for advice and assistance. Community dental services also provide a safety net for those patients who are unable to obtain treatment under the general dental services.