HC Deb 18 July 1962 vol 663 cc69-70W
Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that the experimental scheme for training dental auxiliaries will provide a basis for alleviating the shortage of dentists, bearing in mind that only 58 students continued their studies into the second year; and what further measures he proposes to improve the position.

Mr. Powell

Only two students out of 60 discontinued their studies during the first two-year course. The experiment is not yet completed.

Mr. Lubbock

asked the Minister of Health what is the ratio of dentists to population considered necessary to provide comprehensive dental service for the community; and how many practising dentists would be required at the present time to achieve that ratio.

Mr. Powell

I know of no basis on which this ratio could be calculated.

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