§ Mr. McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total number of dentists receiving national health service remuneration; and of these how many(a) hold regular Saturday surgeries for NHS registered patients, (b) undertake specialist services for children and (c) provide out-of-hours emergency services.
§ Dr. MawhinneyAt 30 September 1992 there were 15,411 general dental practitioners (GDPs) in England receiving remuneration for providing dental care and treatment under the national health service.
The other information requested is not held centrally. However, information based upon a sample of GDPs, used in conducting a workload survey in 1991, suggests that some 33 per cent. of GDPs held Saturday morning sessions in 1991. Very few held Saturday afternoon sessions, and most of those who did also held Saturday morning sessions.
The same survey shows that 78 per cent. of GDPs personally provided out-of-hours emergency cover. (All GDPs with continuing care or capitation patients are required to make reasonable arrangements to provide emergency cover for such patients, but need not necessarily provide the cover personally.)
Information on specialist services provided by GDPs for children is not collected centrally.