§ Mr. Guy Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he intends to take steps to enable dental therapists to be employed within the general dental service.
§ Sir George YoungNo. The provisions of the Dentists Act 1957 preclude the employment by an independent contractor in the general dental services of any ancillary dental worker for the filling or extraction of teeth.
§ Mr. Guy Barnettasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement about the long-term rôle of dental therapists in the National Health Service.
§ Sir George YoungI see dental therapists continuing to provide, in the community and hospital dental services, such treatment under the direction of registered dentists as is permitted by the General Dental Council's regulations. The recently announced dental strategy review group will undoubtedly be considering the longer-term role of all dental ancillary workers.