§ Mr. David Mitchellasked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the shortage of dentists in the town of Andover and of the long waiting period experienced by those requiring examination and treatment; and what steps he proposes to take to improve the situation.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonThough I am aware that some patients may have to wait longer for an appointment than is generally desirable, the proportion of dentists to population in Andover is similar to that for England and Wales as a whole. The Hampshire Executive Council are seeking to attract more dentists to the area, but there is no power to compel a dentist to practise in a particular place. The only practical remedy for the overall shortage of dentists is to recruit and train more; and some years ago the Government therefore embarked on a programme of expanding the capacity of dental teaching schools.