§ Lord Colwynasked Her Majesty's Government:
What plans they have in mind for the post of the Chief Dental Officer to the Department of Health.
4WA
§ Baroness Hooper:There have recently been changes in the organisation of the dental work of the Department. Regional health authorities have assumed responsibility for the General Dental Services, and family health services authorities are being encouraged to adopt a more pro-active role in administering the new dental contract.
This has provided the occasion for looking at the best way of ensuring that a senior member of the dental profession is available to advise Department of Health Ministers, while developing strong links with the profession in the National Health Service.
Accordingly it is proposed to combine the post of Chief Dental Officer with a senior appointment in a regional health authority. Besides developing the regional role in the provision of an integrated primary and secondary care service, the new Chief Dental Officer will provide the authoritative professional advice required within the Department of Health. There will be no change in the status of the Chief Dental Officer, who will have direct access to Ministers.
The post will he advertised nationally and the appointment will be made under Civil Service Commission rules.