§ 31. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how great is the shortage of dentists and school dentists in Scotland; and what steps are being taken to rectify the situation.
Commander GalbraithThe number of dentists in general practice is sufficient to meet the current demand for treatment. If the rate of growth of the school service since 1951 continues for another five years, this will provide the 100 additional dentists still required in that service. But there has been a substantial drop in the number of students entering dental schools in the last few years. My right hon. Friend and the Minister of Health are considering with the British Dental Association how we can help to maintain recruitment to the profession at an adequate long-term level.
§ Mr. GrimondI am grateful to hear that steps are being taken to recruit more dentists. May I draw the attention of the Minister to the fact that in my constituency conservation work is badly behind and that there are very few school dentists in Orkney? Having paid a few dentists too much for a short time, is it not possible that we are now paying all dentists too little to secure recruits to the profession?