HC Deb 11 February 1994 vol 237 c547W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average cost per adult patient for each course of dental treatment in 1992–93.

Dr. Mawhinney

The average cost per course of dental treatment for an adult patient in 1992–93 was £34.77.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) nursing mothers and (b) pregnant women received dental treatment in 1990–91, 1991–92 and 1992–93; and what was the average cost per patient in each case.

Dr. Mawhinney

Information on the number of nursing mothers and pregnant women who received dental treatment in these years is not available. Figures for the number of courses of treatment received by women in these two categories are shown in the table. Data are not available for 1990–91.

The table shows the average cost per course of treatment for nursing mothers and pregnant women in each year. This is defined as the gross fee received by the dentist for the course of treatment. Pregnant women and nursing mothers are exempt from dental charges.

General dental services: number of courses of treatment and average cost for expectant and nursing mothers1 1990–91–1992–93 England
Number of courses of treatment Average cost per course of treatment2
Year Expectant mothers Nursing mothers Expectant mothers (£) Nursing mothers (£)
1991–92 452,555 665,310 33.31 45.24
1992–93 443,922 672,609 31.84 42.69
1 Mothers aged 18 and over.
2 The cost is the gross fee received by the dentist for the course of treatment.
3 Dental fees were reduced by 7 per cent, in July 1992.