HC Deb 09 February 2001 vol 362 cc714-5W
Mr. Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what percentage of adult patients received no help with dental charges under the health benefits scheme in the latest year for which figures are available; [149329]

(2) what percentage of adult patients aged (a) 60 years and over and (b) under 60 years received no help with dental charges under the health benefits scheme in the latest year for which figures are available. [149330]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 7 February 2001]: The available information is for courses of treatment in the general dental services. 75 per cent. of adult courses of treatment attracted the full patient charge up to the maximum limit in 1999–2000 in England. The corresponding percentages for (a) patients aged 60 years and over and (b) adults aged under 60 years were 82 per cent. and 73 per cent. respectively.

Mr. Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the average charge for a course of dental treatment is for(a) patients aged 60 and over and (b) adult patients aged under 60 years, who do not receive help through the health benefits scheme; [149327]

(2) what the average charge for an adult course of dental treatment is for patients not receiving help through the health benefits scheme. [149326]

Mr. Hutton

[holding answer 7 February 2001]: For patients paying the full patient charge up to the maximum limit for dental treatment in the general dental services, the average charge for a course of treatment was £21.82 in 1999–2000 in England.

The corresponding averages for (a) patients aged 60 years and over and (b) adult patients aged under 60 years were £22.22 and £21.69 respectively.