§ Ms. LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies her Department has conducted into the role of dentists in the detection and prevention of oral cancer, thyroid-related illness, gum disease and other health problems.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[holding answer 22 January 1993]: The Department provides funding for studies relating to oral cancer. The Eastman dental hospital is currently in the second year of a three-year research programme examining the validity of screeing for oral cancers and pre-cancers. The United Kingdom working group on screening for oral cancers and pre-cancers, also based at the hospital, has been reviewing the literature and examining the feasibility of national screening. Its report is expected before Easter.
Dentists are fully trained in the detection and treatment of gum diseases. They are also trained in the recognition of oral manifestations of systemic diseases and other health problems.