Written question asked by Ann Winterton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 February 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 28 February 2000. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 28 February 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement on the use of non-precious metals in dental appliances in the NHS; and if he will calculate the percentage change in the non-precious metals claimed for in the last 10 years. - Inc table and ref to the Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR).

Answer: Mrs. Ann Winterton: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the use of non-precious metals in dental appliances in the NHS; and if he will calculate the percentage change in the non-precious metals claimed for in the last 10 years. [109583] Mr. Hutton: Both precious and non-precious metal alloys continue to have their place in restorative dentistry. The Statement of Dental Remuneration (SDR) sets out the conditions as to materials which may be used in the fabrication of appliances in the General Dental Services. The wide diversity of both precious and non-precious metal alloys to meet true clinical need is reflected in the SDR. The SDR, including the conditions as to materials, is under continuing review with the representatives of the dental profession so as to reflect current best practice. Information on the number of incidences of the dental treatment item 1712, full or jacket crown cast in non-precious metal alloy for 1988-89 and 1998-99, is shown in the table: General Dental Service (GDS): number of incidences England and Wales _________________________________________________________________________________________________. 1988-89 1998-99 Percentage increase Number of incidences 5,520 28,217 411 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. The increase in the number of these incidences is affected by changes in the types of treatment available over the ten year period.

Secondary information