§ 15. Mr. Piratinasked the Minister of Education what ratio he has laid down of school dentists to schoolchildren; how many more dentists will be needed to reach this ratio; and what steps he is taking in the matter.
§ Mr. TomlinsonFor a complete service of dental inspection and treatment, it is estimated that a ratio of about one dentist to 3,000 children would probably be required. In January, 1949, the latest date for which figures are available, the number of school dentists employed by local authorities was equivalent to 868 whole-time officers. To give a ratio of one dentist to 3,000 children, an additional 975 would then have been required. Since then, there are indications that the number has seriously decreased. On the steps which are being taken to overcome the present difficulties, I would refer the hon. Member to the answer which I gave him on 20th October last.