§ 30. Mr. Severasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on his policy towards the role played by dental therapists in maintaining the dental care of the population particularly in relation to small children.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergWe are currently studying the comments received on the recommendation of the Dental Strategy Review Group that the School for Dental Therapists should close and my right hon. Friend will make a statement when he announces his decision before the end of the year.
§ 32. Mr. Haynesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the suggestion in the Dental Strategy Review Group that the work of dental therapists should be phased out.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergWe have received over 500 letters from hon. Members, health authorities and other interested bodies, dentists and therapists on the recommendation that the School for Dental Therapists should be closed. I have met deputations from the British Association of Dental Therapists and the staff side of the relevant NHS Whitley council and I have also met the chairman of the School for Dental Therapists.
§ 60. Mr. George Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what proposal he is considering for the future of dental therapists; when he expects to make a decision; and what consultations he is having on the matter.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergWe are considering the recommendation of the Dental Strategy Review Group that the School for Dental Therapists be closed and that therapists including especially those at present unemployed, should be encouraged to retrain as dental hygienists. We have consulted widely, have received362W numerous letters from hon. Members, health authorities and other interested bodies, dentists and therapists and expect to make a decision before the end of the year.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations have been made to him by dental therapists regarding the future of dental therapy; to what extent he consulted dental therapists about the recommendations of the dental strategy review group; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergWe consulted the British Association of Dental Therapists on the dental strategy review group report and we have received numerous letters from dental therapists advocating continuation or extension of their role. I have met deputations from the British Association of Dental Therapists and the staff side of the relevant NHS Whitley council. A statement will be made when we announce our decision before the end of the year on the recommendation that the School for Dental Therapists should be closed.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many visits were made, other than by the chairman, by members of the dental strategy review group to the School for Dental Therapists at New Cross prior to their recommendation that it be closed.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe Chairman of the dental strategy review group, Mr. G. D. Gibb, is a member of the committee of management of the School for Dental Therapists Limited. Information is not available on whether and how often persons who were members of the group have visited the School at New Cross.
§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether estimates have yet been made by his Department of the likely effect on public expenditure of the reduction in numbers and phasing out of dental therapists.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergNo decision has yet been made on reducing numbers or phasing out dental therapists. If the School for Dental Therapists were closed there would be a saving of up to about £900,000 per annum at current prices. No reliable estimate of the consequential costs is possible, as much would depend on the extent to which dental therapists continued to be trained and the role of the therapists grade in the future pattern of services.