§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how she plans to develop the role of the community dental service. [24405]
§ Mr. MaloneThe Department of Health circular (89)2 provides guidance for health authorities and sets out the role of the community dental service. This circular is available in the Library. We intend to open discussions with the joint negotiating forum, comprising health departments, the Central Committee for Community Dental Services, and health authorities to consider the present role of the community dental service and to provide revised guidance. The guidance will encourage health authorities to assess the need for the community dental service to act as a "safety net", and to make arrangements for services in the light of these assessments.