§ 1. Mr. Maudeasked the Minister of Education how many children in England and Wales were, at the last date for which statistics are available, awaiting specialist orthodontic treatment under the Schools Dental Service; the approximate proportion of these needing treatment for functional defects; and to what extent the waiting lists have increased in recent years.
§ Sir D. EcclesI regret that this information is not available.
§ 2. Mr. Maudeasked the Minister of Education how many orthodontic specialists are available, full or part-time, for the treatment of children in England and Wales under the Schools Dental Service; and to what extent the number has declined in recent years.
§ Sir D. EcclesThere were the equivalent of 17 full-time officers, employed exclusively on orthodontic treatment, in the School Health Service on 30th June, 1954, the latest date for which information is available. This is an increase of the equivalent of four full-time officers in the last two years. The majority of school dental officers undertake some orthodontic treatment.