§ Lord Colwynasked Her Majesty's Government:
In view of their recent White Paper Modernising NHS Dentistry—Implementing the NHS Plan and the stated intention of improving dental care in the National Health Service, whether they intend that the Chief Dental Officer for England should be a full time post and that there should be an increase in the dental support available for that post. [HL4204]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)Dame Margaret Seward takes up post as the new Chief Dental Officer on 1 November and will work three days per week, concentrating on the implementation of the Government's strategy for National Health Service dentistry in England. In this she will be supported by the existing complement of professional dental advisers and a wide network of NHS Executive administrative staff. The level of support for Dame Margaret will be kept under review.