Section 12 – Free oral health assessments and dental examinations
35.The provisions discussed in paragraphs 35 to 38 introduce free oral health assessments and dental examinations for all. In subsection (2) of section 70A of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 new wording is substituted, creating new paragraphs (a) and (b). Subsection (2) defines the dental treatment provided in accordance with section 17C arrangements for which regulations made under subsection (1) may prescribe the manner of making and recovering patient charges. New paragraph (a) excludes oral health assessments and dental examinations undertaken on or after 1 April 2006 from that definition.
36.In subsection (1) of section 71 of the 1978 Act, a new paragraph (a) is inserted. This excludes oral health assessments and dental examinations undertaken on or after 1 April 2006 from the Part II general dental services for which regulations may provide for the making of charges.
37.In subsection (2) of section 71 of the 1978 Act, new wording is substituted. This again excludes oral health assessments and dental examinations made on or after 1 April 2006 from the prescribed special dental treatment provided under general dental services for which regulations may provide for the making of charges.
38.In subsection (1) of section 20 of the National Health Service (Primary Care) Act 1997, new wording is substituted creating new paragraphs (a) and (b). New paragraph (a) replaces subsection (2) of section 20 which is repealed. Section 20 empowers regulations to be made to prescribe the manner of making and recovering patient charges for personal dental services under a pilot scheme. New paragraph (b) excludes oral health assessments and dental examinations undertaken on or after 1 April 2006 from these powers.
