HC Deb 12 July 1999 vol 335 cc31-2W
Mrs. Dean

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dental practices in England have benefited from the Investing in Dentistry initiative. [90953]

Mr. Denham

The Investing in Dentistry initiative ended in April this year. 301 Investing in Dentistry funding requests have been approved, primarily to help towards the cost of opening of new dental practices, relocating practices to larger premises, and providing extra surgeries in areas where there have been problems of access to National Health Service dentistry. A number of applications are currently being assessed. The applications approved so far will provide over 700,000 patients with the opportunity to access NHS dental services.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his oral Statement of 6 July 1999,Official Report, columns 821–23, what plans he has to replace the Investing in Dentistry scheme. [90539]

Mr. Denham

We are currently reviewing possible options on how best to use the resources available to build on the success of the Investing in Dentistry initiative in improving access to National Health Service dental services. A dental strategy is due to be published later this year.

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