§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to encourage NHS dentists to keep(a) their skills and (b) the treatments they offer up to date. [102354]
§ Mr. HuttonThe General Dental Council has agreed proposals with the dental profession for a 'recertification' scheme whereby dentists would not be allowed to remain registered unless they showed evidence that they were participating in continuing education and training. We support these proposals and are drawing up an order to make the necessary amendments to the Dentists Act 1984 by means of Section 60 of the Health Act 1999.