HC Deb 25 February 1982 vol 18 c489W
Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what considerations he will take into account in deciding on the annual intake of students of dental therapy.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

The intake of students of dental therapy will be for the relevant health authorities to decide.

Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many students of dental therapy will be accepted for training in 1982 and 1983.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

This will depend on health authorities' estimates of their future need for dental therapists and the number of trained therapists currently seeking posts.

Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to introduce dental therapists to general dental practice.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

No.

Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of 'State for Social Services if he will publish in the Official Report the total annual cost of the School for Dental Therapists, and provide a breakdown of the figure identifying the following items: salaries, students' grants, hostel costs, capital costs as apportioned on a 10 years depreciation basis and maintenance costs.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

In the financial year 1980–81 the net cost of the School for Dental Therapists was £706,000 comprising:

£
Salaries 290,000
Student grants 144,000
Hostel costs 50,000
Maintenance 36,000
Capital 90,000
Other (rates etc.) 96,000

Capital costs are wholly written off in the school's accounts in the year in which expenditure was actually incurred.

Mr. Guy Barnett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has to provide dental treatment after July 1983 for children currently treated by the School for Dental Therapists at New Cross.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

It will be for the community dental service and the general dental services locally to provide dental treatment for children currently treated at the School for Dental Therapists. We are discussing with the health authorities what arrangements will be required.