Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 15 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 January 2010. It was answered by Ann Keen (Labour) on Thursday, 7 January 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dental Services: Aluminium

Question: (2) how many patients are estimated to have had yellow-coloured copper aluminium alloy fitted instead of dental gold in dental treatment without being informed of the material being used; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Information is not held centrally on which we could base these assessments. The use of this alloy is not permitted in the manufacture of dental appliances prescribed for national health service patients under schedule 3 (a) of The NHS (Dental Charges) Regulations 2005. From April 2008 dentists have been required to provide information on the range of dental appliances they prescribe for NHS patients. If this suggests that there are abuses of the regulations, we will consult the NHS Counter Fraud Service on how to improve compliance.

Secondary information