HC Deb 25 February 2002 vol 380 cc986-7W
Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on access to NHS dentistry on the Wirral. [33487]

Ms Blears

In the quarter October to December 2001 65 per cent. of children were registered with an NHS dentist compared with 61 per cent. in England and 57 per cent. of adults in Wirral were registered compared to 45 per cent. in England.

Wirral dentists have received £350,788 from the £35 million dentistry modernisation fund announced in May 2001, which has been used locally to increase the provision and scope of surgery and modernise premises and upgrade equipment.

Two Personal Dental Service Pilots have been established in Wirral with central funding. One is bringing dentistry for the first time to the Leasowe Housing estate, a very socially disadvantaged area in North Wirral.