HC Deb 18 February 1957 vol 565 cc10-2W
99. Mr. Freeth

asked the Minister of Health what progress has been made with the training of ancillary dental workers.

Mr. Vosper

More than 200 dental hygienists have been trained for employment in the Forces and in the public dental service and hold my certificate of efficiency; further arrangements for the training of dental hygienists are held up until the General Dental Council have made Regulations to widen the scope of their employment.

100. Mr. Freeth

asked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what progress has been made by the General Dental Council with revising its draft regulations under the Dentists Act, 1956, enabling dental hygienists to work under proper supervision in private practice.

Mr. Vosper

The General Dental Council was asked on 5th February to review its draft regulations so as to enable dental hygienists to work under proper supervision in private practice. I understand that the Ancillary Dental Workers' Committee of the Council will have before it this request on 19th February. Its recommendations should therefore be available to the General Dental Council when, I am informed, it meets on 27th March.

101. Mrs. L. Jeger

asked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he has yet received further proposals from the General Dental Council regarding the availability of the services of dental hygienists for the general public.

Mr. Vosper

No, Sir. The General Dental Council submitted proposals which were considered unsatisfactory from the point of view referred to in the hon. Member's Question. It was asked on 5th February to review the proposals. I understand that a Committee of the Council will meet on 19th February and that the Council itself is to meet on 27th March.

Mr. Finlay

asked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether he has yet received from the General Dental Council the revised draft regulations about dental hygienists; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Vosper

No. The General Dental Council's proposals have been referred back to it for further consideration. The Council's original proposals would delay indefinitely the possibility for dental hygienists of working under proper supervision in private practice; and this delay would not, in my opinion, accord with the intentions of Parliament as expressed during the passing of the Bill which became the Dentists Act, 1956. The request to review its regulations was made on 5th February. I understand that it will he considered by the Ancillary Dental Workers' Committee of the Council on 19th February and that the General Dental Council itself is to meet on 27th March.