Dentists

Mr. Kilroy-Silk
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she will prohibit dentists from using NHS health centre facilities for the treatment of private patients; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Owen
I see no need to alter the present arrangements.

Mr. Kilroy-Silk
asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total number of dentists (a) wholly in private practice and (b) part-time; and how many use NHS facilities for the treatment of private patients.

Dr. Owen
No information is available about either the number of dentists in whole-time private practice or how many NHS general dental practitioners, also practice privately. Six dentists providing general dental services in health centres have been granted permission to engage in a small proportion of private practice.As to hospital practice, 129 dental consultants are whole-time and 152 part-time consultants are contractually free to undertake private practice.