To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether she has received representations from dentists who have not been paid by their primary care trust for work undertaken under a new general dental services contract or a new personal dental services agreement. (76968)

Primary care trust (PCT) payment functions for dentistry are exercised on PCTs’ behalf by the NHS Business Services Authority (Awdurdod Gwasanaethau Busnes y GIG) Dental Practice Division (BSA DPD). The BSA DPD reports that the vast majority of payments due to dentists since 1 April 2006 have been paid correctly and on the due date. Where dentists have made representations about incorrect or missing payments the BSA DPD has contacted the relevant PCT, checked that the dentist is entitled to payment, and corrected the position.