§ 59. Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what factors he expects to take into account in considering the future role of dental therapists, pursuant to the statement of the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security on 21 January, Official Report, column 520.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergWe shall take into account all relevant factors, which will include the needs of health authorities for dental therapists and the costs and benefits of dental therapists relative to those of other dental personnel. We shall also take account of the existing functions of dental therapists prescribed in the Dentists Act 1957 and in the General Dental Council's regulations. The long-term roles of the dental profession and dental auxiliary classes will be considered as part of our consideration to future dental strategy in the light of the many comments received on the report of the dental340W strategy review group and regard will also be paid to the recommendations of the Royal Commission on the National Health Service and the Nuffield inquiry into dental education.