§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she is taking to issue clear advice to people requiring dental treatment of their entitlement to free treatment under the NHS; if she will instruct family health services authorities to provide up-to-date information about the dental services available locally; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyUnder their terms of service, dentists are required to display prominently at their practices a 407W notice supplied by the family health services authority—FHSA—indicating entitlement to exemption from and remission of national health service dental charges. Leaflets are available from family doctors and dentists and Benefits Agency offices explaining NHS dental treatment and how people may be entitled to free treatment or help with the cost. Copies of these leaflets will be placed in the Library.
FHSAs are responsible for maintaining up-to-date lists of the dentists providing NHS treatment in their localities. The list contains information about the days and hours the dentist is available at the practice, as well as the services offered.