§ Norman LambTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what discussions are taking place between the Department of Health and representatives of the dental profession about orthodontic provision; and when he proposes to publish guidance on criteria for acceptance for orthodontic treatment under the NHS; [6360]
(2) if he intends to change the criteria for acceptance for orthodontic treatment under the NHS; and what changes to NHS orthodontic services he plans. [6361]
§ Ms BlearsI apologise to the hon. Member for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
Our national health service dental strategy "Modernising NHS Dentistry—Implementing the NHS Plan" set out our intention to reform orthodontic treatment to encourage the most appropriate treatment within the general dental service for patients, taking into account the approach being piloted using the index of treatment need which was already being widely used in the rest of the NHS. Officials have had very helpful discussions with the profession on changes to the current system to enable these valuable NHS resources to be targeted towards cases of greatest clinical need. We hope to reach agreement on charges, including any transitional arrangements, later this year.