§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the number of hygienists at present practising in the National Health Service; what is the expected increase in numbers during the next five years; and what is the most recent estimate he has made of the resources required to provide the necessary number of places in dental schools if the recommendations of the Expenditure Committee on preventive medicine are to be put into effect.
§ Mr. MoyleThe number of dental hygienists working in the hospital, community and general dental services in Great Britain was approximately 600 in 1976. A further 700 are expected to be trained in the years 1977–1981, though some wastage may occur. The Expenditure Committee referred to a target of 2,500 hygienists in 1985, which, assuming a 20 per cent. wastage, would require the training of an additional 1,200 by that year. It is estimated that at current prices this would cost a minimum of £21 million, subject to the need to provide new training facilities.