§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the revenue to the NHS from charges for(a) NHS dental examinations and (b) NHS dental treatments for the last year for which figures are available; and if he will make a statement.[126060]
§ Mr. HuttonIn 1999–2000 patient charge revenue in the General Dental Service in England for(a) dental examinations was about £75 million and for (b) all dental treatments (including examinations) was £432 million. Patient charges are paid direct to the dentist, with the gross fee payable to the dentist reduced accordingly.
Dental examinations and treatments for children are free. About a quarter of adults do not pay or pay a reduced amount for their National Health Service dental care.