§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to expand the community dental services (a) to cope with the increase of the elderly in the population, (b) to extend dental treatment for those with mental or physical disabilities and (c) to increase the number of dental therapists in health authority clinics who are permitted to undertake dental treatment under supervision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe dental strategy review group reported last year on the future role of the community dental services and, following consultation with the profession and health authorities, we are considering their recommendations and hope to be able to advise health authorities of the Department's views later this year.
I should add that the community dental services are already empowered to provide treatment to the adult handicapped, subject to the prime duty for school dental services being met and that it is a matter for health authorities in the restructured service to determine staffing requirements to meet their local needs.