§ Adam PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on NHS dental provision in each region of the UK. [35627]
§ Ms BlearsThe total number of dentists working in the national health service in England as at 30 September was 22,437, of whom 18,821 work in the general dental service (GDS) and the personal dental service (PDS). The remainder work in the hospital dental service, the community dental service or are salaried dentists. The total gross expenditure on the GDS and the PDS is about £1,720 million a year.
NHS dental provision in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales is a matter for the devolved Administrations.