HC Deb 31 July 1961 vol 645 cc923-4
29. Mr. Tapsell

asked the Minister of Health what action is being taken to overcome the growing shortage of dentists in Nottingham.

Miss Pitt

The shortage of dentists in the Nottingham area reflects, though especially acutely, a national shortage, but both the numbers giving general dental services and the volume of treatment per dentist are increasing.

Mr. Tapsell

Is my hon. Friend aware that at present there is only one dentist to every 7,000 people in Nottingham and district and that this is one of the worst ratios in the Whole country; that it is already extremely difficult for anyone arriving in Nottingham to get on to a dentist's list or for people already on lists to get emergency treatment; that a large proportion of the existing dentists are nearing retiring age; and that unless some action is taken in the near future there may be a complete breakdown in the dental services in Nottingham?

Miss Pitt

I am aware that the ratio in the City of Nottingham is 4,900 people per dentist and that in the whole of Nottinghamshire, including the City, the ratio is 6,700 to one. My right hon. Friend has no power to direct dentists, as my hon. Friend seams to imply in his Question, but we are certainly taking steps to try to improve the numbers of dentists in practice.

Mr. Tapsell

Will my hon. Friend at least consider the possibility of encouraging dental hygienists to go to Nottingham if dentists are not immediately available?

Miss Pitt

I will certainly look into that.

Mr. Baird

Although I am aware that on paper there are plans for building more dental hospitals and more places to train dentists, may I ask the hon. Lady what is actually being done, apart from paper planning, to provide these places? Under the Chancellor of the Exchequer's new arrangements, is there to be any cut in the proposals for building new dental hospitals?

Miss Pitt

This is another question, but plans for dental hospitals are proceeding. One has been completed.

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