HC Deb 01 December 1959 vol 614 cc999-1000
39. Mr. Manuel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the number of dentists employed in the school dental service; and how many more are required to give adequate dental treatment in all schools.

Mr. Galbraith

At the end of September there were the equivalent of 171 whole-time dentists in the school dental service. Since children receive dental care through the general dental service as well as through the school service, an estimate of requirements for the latter alone is difficult and speculative. But there is certainly room for a considerable increase in the number of dentists employed.

Mr. Manuel

Is the Minister aware that that Answer shows complacency? Is he aware of the steadily increasing decay in children's teeth throughout Scotland? What positive steps is the Secretary of State prepared to take so that we may get the requisite number of qualified dentists staffing our schools throughout Scotland? The figure is much below what the Secretary of State has indicated to the House is necessary.

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Manuel

In my Question, Mr. Speaker, I asked the Secretary of State for the number of dentists required to staff our schools. I did not get a clear answer. It was a roundabout answer saying that the number was much below what is necessary. Can the Joint Under-Secretary tell us what he will now do in a positive way to attract sufficient dentists to look after the children's teeth?

Mr. Galbraith

The increase required would probably be about 50 per cent., which could come about only by an increase in the total number of dentists, not only in the school dental service, but generally.

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