§ Mr. Tony ClarkeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what criteria he is using for selection of the pilot areas for the NHS Phone and Go dental access areas; and if Northamptonshire Health Authority meets them. [101489]
§ Mr. HuttonThe key criterion for the selection of Phone and Go dental access centres is that there must be a demonstrated problem of access to National Health Service dentistry in the area. This is assessed from several sources of availability information, including health authority reports, statistical indicators and knowledge of the individual health authority's dental needs and health. The schemes must also offer good value for money, provide a full range of general dental services and have both regional office support and health authority commitment and capability to deliver. Northamptonshire was middle ranking in terms of reported dental availability problems.