§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to make a statement on the progress of his talks with representatives of the dental profession to discuss the proposals announced in the Government's statement on NHS dentistry of 5 April,Official Report columns 1214–15, and when he will implement them; [94]
(2) if he will estimate the cost of relating payments given to dentists to disease levels in children most in need as announced in the Government's statement on NHS 28W dentistry on 5 April; and how he is planning to meet this expected expenditure; [95]
(3) if he expects to maintain the current levels of gross payment to dentists working in the NHS; and if he will make a statement; [96]
(4) if he will estimate the selected costs and potential savings from the introduction of more rigorous prior approval procedures as announced in the Government's statement of NHS dentistry of 5 April; [97]
(5) if he will estimate the number of patients who will he deregistered as a result of the proposals announced in the Government's statement of NHS dentistry of 5 April; [98]
(6) if he plans to produce criteria to evaluate the effectiveness of any proposals announced in the Government's statement of NHS dentistry of 5 April that are implemented. [100]
§ Mr. MaloneThe reform proposals I announced to the House on 5 April 1995 fall into two parts. For the longer term, the Government intend to introduce a system of local contracts between health authorities and dental practices. This requires primary legislation and would need to be carefully piloted and evaluated.
For the medium term, the Government put forward measures to reform the current system. Discussions with the General Dental Services Committee on the detailed development of these proposals are making progress. We hope to move to implementation of the measures from 1 April 1996.
The issue of relating payments to disease levels is one of those currently under discussion with the profession, as are the proposals for more rigorous prior approval. We would seek to minimise any additional administration costs arising from greater rigour. There is no reason why patients should be deregistered as a consequence of the reforms which are intended to create a secure and stable future for NHS dentistry. The proposals should lead to an increase in the number of children registered.
The level of gross payments to dentists working in the NHS is determined by a number of factors, including the annual recommendation of the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body.
The measures we hope to introduce in April are developments of the existing remuneration system for dentists rather than a new untried system. Nevertheless, we intend to keep their impact under close review.
§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with members of the dental profession concerning the development of the Community Dental Service as announced in the Government's statement on NHS dentistry of 5 April. [99]
§ Mr. MaloneWe are currently discussing this issue with, among others, the joint negotiating forum for community dentistry at the British Dental Association.