HC Deb 04 May 2004 vol 420 c1463W
17. Mr. Best

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to increase the number of NHS dentists in Leeds. [169839]

Miss Melanie Johnson

Currently 145 dentists are treating NHS patients in the Leeds area. The overall number of dentists treating NHS patients in Leeds has remained similar for the 12 months to December 2003, the latest data that we have available. The primary care trusts in Leeds are currently preparing action plans to submit to West Yorkshire Strategic Health Authority, which include plans to increase the numbers of dentists accepting NHS patients locally.

19. Richard Younger-Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on NHS dental provision in south Devon. [169842]

Ms Rosie Winterton

The whole of the South West Peninsula strategic health authority area has been identified as an "Options for Change" field site, and dentists are increasingly opting for the new ways of working that Personal Dental Services allows. Teignbridge PCX, along with others in the Peninsula, is currently working on a Dental Action Plan which is expected to be agreed later this month.