Written question asked by Diane Abbott (Labour) on Friday, 20 April 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 April 2012. It was answered by Simon Burns (Conservative) on Monday, 30 April 2012 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Alcoholic Drinks: Misuse

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the Royal College of Surgeons' conclusions and recommendations on the role of dental teams in identifying and treating alcohol misuse; and if he will incorporate this advice as part of his strategy to tackle alcohol abuse.

Answer: We will consider the recommendations made by the Royal College of Surgeons for further work in relation to the benefits of introducing alcohol screening and brief interventions in a primary dental care setting. As the report notes, the Government intends to strengthen the approach to prevention in the planned new dental contract. Under the pilot care pathway, all patients receive an oral health assessment that screens for risk factors including alcohol consumption. Where patients report that they consume alcohol beyond the safe limits they receive targeted advice including, if required, signposting to appropriate specialist services.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 105363; 543 c1286W
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Alcoholic drinks Misuse
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk12050176000082