HC Deb 24 March 1994 vol 240 cc413-4W
Mr. Tyler

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total number of patients being deregistered for NHS dentistry treatment in each of the health authority areas within the south-west region, and what is the proportion per head of population in each of those areas, for the latest available period.

Dr. Mawhinney

Information for the latest available period is shown in the table. At 31 January 1994, there were 2,178,566 patients registered in South Western region. Based on June 1992 estimates, this represents 62.2 per cent. of the population of the region. In England since July 1992 there has been a net increase of over 600,000 patients registered and a net increase of 264 dentists in contract with family health services authorities.

Number of patients and percentage of population deregistered, week ending 18 March 1994, by FHSA
FHSA Number of patients deregistered during weekending 18 March 1994 Percentage of population deregistered
Avon 36 0.004
Cornwall and Isles of Stilly 22 0.005
Devon 79 0.008
Gloucestershire 206 0.038
Somerset 129 0.027

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much additional revenue would be raised in a full year by increasing the contributions to NHS dental treatment fees for patients not exempt from charges to 100 per cent.

Dr. Mawhinney

We estimate that an increase in contributions for patients liable to pay dental charges to 100 per cent. of the national health service dental fee would raise £90 million-£100 million additional revenue in a full year. This estimate is made on the assumption that there is no change in the demand for or supply of dental treatment under the general dental services. It also takes into account the maximum patient charge from 1 April 1994 of £275 for a course of NHS dental treatment.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS dentists in England are offering private dental insurance schemes to their patients.

Dr. Mawhinney

This is a matter for individual dentists who are independent contractors, who themselves decide whether, and to what extent, to provide private treatment.