§ 11. Mr. Kimballasked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, when he expects to introduce regulations which will enable dental hygienists to make their full contribution to conservative dentistry, particularly for schoolchildren.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Dennis Vosper)Regulations concerning dental hygienists are a matter for the General Dental Council, subject to approval by the Privy Council and Parliament. The Council has been asked to reconsider its original draft regulations so as to enable hygienists to be more widely employed.
§ Mr. KimballWill my right hon. Friend press on with this matter as soon as possible, because were these hygienists allowed to practise it would go a long way towards relieving the shortage of dentists which threatens a breakdown, particularly in the school dental service in Lincolnshire?
§ Mr. VosperI am hoping that the General Dental Council will come to a decision in the very near future.