§ 13. Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what initiatives are being pursued to increase the number of students entering dentistry; and if she will make a statement. [27724]
§ Mr. MaloneThere are currently 3,908 dental students in the United Kingdom.
There are no reasons to believe that, in England, there will be too few dentists. The Nuffield report, published in September 1993, recommended that greater use should be made of dental auxiliaries in general practice as part of a dentist-led team. That could have an impact on the level of dental manpower required and, therefore, on the level of student intake needed. The Department will review the position regarding student intake in the light of decisions taken about the Nuffield recommendations.