Written question asked by Sandra Gidley (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 29 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what his Department's policy is on access to dentures on the NHS; what plans his Department has to ensure that older people can obtain dentures on the NHS; and if he will make a statement; what fees patients are charged on the NHS for dentures. - Inc table.

Answer: Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what his Department's policy is on access to dentures on the NHS; [195524] (2) what plans his Department has to ensure that older people can obtain dentures on the NHS; and if he will make a statement; [195527] (3) what fees patients are charged on the NHS for dentures. [195594] Ms Rosie Winterton: The national health service statement of dental remuneration makes the following provision: Dentures £ _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Full upper and lower Upper or lower only Patient's Charge 122.32 76.32 Dentist's fee 152.90 95.40 Total sum received by dentist 275.22 171.72 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. We are aware of problems with NHS dentistry in some areas and, as a result, some people may have difficulties in obtaining new or replacement dentures. We are undertaking the most wide-ranging reforms since the service began in 1948. Not only do the reforms include the recruitment of more dentists, but we are collaborating with the General Dental Council to provide for the registration of a new class of dental technician--the clinical dental technician--who would be able both to supply and fit dentures.

Secondary information