§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures she will take to ensure that patients presenting themselves for treatment at dental surgeries are made aware of(a) the cost of the treatment prior to its commencement and (b) whether this treatment is available under the NHS.
745W
§ Dr. MawhinneyGeneral dental practitioners are already required by thier terms of service to provide a treatment plan to patients registered with them under continuing care of capitation arrangements when they examine them for the first time. This treatment plan includes any treatment to be undertaken, an estimate of any national health service charge and any proposals for private care and treatment, including the cost to the patient.
The additionally required to provide a new or revised treatment plan when they propose to undertake complex treatment, the details of which are listed in regulations, and on any occasion when the patient so requests.