HC Deb 18 July 1978 vol 954 cc200-1W
Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what classes of ancillary dental worker have been set up under section 41 of the Dentists Act 1957; how many recruits have completed their training for each such class; and how many of each class are engaged according to the latest count in the work for which they were trained.

Mr. Deakins

The classes of ancillary dental worker established by the General Dental Council are those of dental hygienist and dental auxiliary

Since establishment of these classes, 1,574 certificates of proficiency have been awarded to dental hygienists and 861 to dental auxiliaries. Of the holders, 822 —including 57 armed services personnel—were known to be working as dental hygienists and 400, including four armed services personnel, as dental auxiliaries in December 1977.

Mr. Freud

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many students are at present undergoing training and for which class or classes under the provisions of section 41 of the Dentists Act 1957; and what proposals there are for the establishment of further classes of ancillary dental workers to provide a more comprehensive dental service for the community.

Mr. Deakins

This year there were 85 dental hygienists, excluding armed services personnel, and 108 dental auxiliaries, under training in England.

The establishment of further classes of dental ancillary workers is for the General Dental Council, but no such proposals have been put forward.