§ Mr. Simon ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has to review the scale of payment made to dentists undertaking NHS work. [82631]
§ Mr. LammyDentists fees are reviewed annually by the independent Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body on remuneration, who consider evidence submitted by the Government and representatives of the profession. Officials from my Department are working closely with the profession to see how changes can be made to dentists' remuneration to improve the service for patients and the dental team.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of adults are registered with an NHS dentist. [82633]
§ Mr. Lammy44 per cent, of adults were registered with a General Dental Service (GDS) dentist in England at 30 September 2002, and this rate has remained stable since 1998. Those patients who do not wish to, or are unable to register may be seen on the NHS under occasional treatment arrangements.
Patients wishing to be treated under the NHS should be able to obtain details of dentists accepting new patients for registration in their area by contacting NHS Direct.