§ 22. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health how many dental auxiliaries are employed at present; how many are in training; and what steps he is taking to expand training facilities and to stimulate recruitment.
§ Mr. PowellAbout 200; 167; none at present.
§ Mr. RobinsonSince the use of ancillaries now appears to be accepted by the dental profession, even if with some reluctance, will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to extend this very valuable development? Will he say whether it is the intention that ancillaries should still be permitted to work only on children's teeth?
§ Mr. PowellI assume that the hon. Gentleman is referring to what are technically dental auxiliaries. The scheme is at the moment an experimental one, as he knows, and the report to the Privy Council is due in October this year. There are at present ample numbers of recruits coming forward, and I should like to await that report before considering a further extension.