Dentists (Hansard, 25 November 1992)

§ Mr. Gareth Wardell
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will provide specific funding for citizens advice bureaux in Wales to launch local publicity campaigns to enable the general public to know which general dental practitioners are taking on new national health service patients.

§ Mr. Gwilym Jones
This action is not necessary nor would it be appropriate. The management of general dental services is the responsibility of family health services authorities which have up-to-date information on the services available in their areas. That information is readily available to members of the public and citizens advice bureaux. The decision on whether a publicity campaign is required rests with the authority in the light of local needs and circumstances.

§ Mr. Gareth Wardell
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library a copy of the guidelines issued by health authorities and family health service authorities in Wales to ensure that the ratio of community dentists to salaried dentists is appropriate throughout Wales.

§ Mr. Gwilym Jones
It is for the district health authorities to determine the appropriate number of community dentists in the light of local needs. The number of salaried dentists employed by family health services authorities is dependent on local circumstances and endorsement by the Department in the light of the criteria laid down in WHC(92)55, a copy of which has been placed in the Library of the House. Both authorities are expected to liaise with one another in considering appointments needs and circumstances.

§ Mr. Gareth Wardell
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make it a requirement of family health service authorities in Wales to inform all national health service patients de-registered by a general dental practitioner of the locations and operating times of the community dental service.

§ Mr. Gwilym Jones
This decision is one which should he taken by family health services authorities in the light of local needs and circumstances. Normally, authorities would direct "de-registered" patients to another general dental practitioner still accepting patients under the NHS. Only if this option is in some way unsuitable or impracticable would authorities direct patients to the community dental service in its "safety net" capacity. In those circumstances, authorities would supply patients with all relevant information.

§ Mr. Gareth Wardell
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will summarise the decision-making process which determines whether family health service authorities employ a salaried dentist or the area health authority employs a community dental officer.
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§ Mr. Gwilym Jones
It is for the family health services authority to decide whether to apply to the Department for permission to employ salaried dentists. Each application is considered in light of the criteria outlined in circular WHC(92)55. Briefly, these are that the numbers of independent practitioners are not sufficient to ensure adequate provision of general dental services and that the FHSA should give a clear indication of the geographical area where the deficiency exists, along with reasons why the deficiency cannot be met by other methods. Similarly, a district health authority is responsible for determining the number of community dental officers it employs. I expect the authorities to liaise with one another in considering appointments which should be made in the light of local needs and circumstances.

§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps are being taken to attract more dentists to the county of Gwynedd who are able to treat national health service patients.

§ Mr. Gwilym Jones
This is a matter for the Gwynedd family health services authority. The authority has applied for permission to employ salaried dentists and my right hon. Friend has given permission for four whole-time equivalent salaried dentists to be employed. The authority has also attracted general dental practitioners to its area by utilising the Department's location incentive grants and by local initiatives.

§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many dentists in Gwynedd currently provide services under the national health service.

§ Mr. Gwilym Jones
As at 30 June 1992, the latest available date, there were 63 general dental practitioners in contract with Gwynedd family health services authority.

§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many people in Gwynedd are unable to register with dental practices.

§ Mr. Gwilym Jones
The information is not available.

§ Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps are being taken to re-open the emergency dental treatment centre in Bangor, Gwynedd.

§ Mr. Gwilym Jones
It is the responsibility of general dental practitioners to ensure that emergency treatment is available for those patients registered with them. Discussions are now taking place between the Gwynedd family health services authority and Gwynedd health authority with a view to providing a weekend emergency service in Bangor for those patients who are not registered with a general dental practitioner.