HC Deb 31 January 2002 vol 379 c550W
Mr. Hurst

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many dentists were providing NHS treatment in the Braintree district in(a) 1979, (b) 1989, (c) 1997 and (d) 2001. [21755]

Ms Blears

The total number of general dental service dentists who carry out the majority of their work in North Essex health authority area which includes the Braintree district is shown in the table for 30 September in the years 1997 and 2001.

Comparable data for 1979 and 1989 are not available. Before April 1990, Essex Family Practitioner Committee covered the areas of North Essex and South Essex health authorities. Data for this area are given for 1979 and 1989 and also for the later years for comparison.

General dental service: number of dentists in North Essex HA and Essex HAs at 30 September1
Year North Essex HA North and South Essex HAs2
1979 n/a 319
1989 n/a 430
1997 285 496
2001 319 566
1 Dentists who do the majority of their work in the area. Excludes dentists who do most of their work in other areas.
2 Before April 1990, Essex Family Practitioner Committee (FPC) covered the areas of North Essex and South Essex health authorities.