§ Mr. ColmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what reciprocal arrangements exist to enable dentists trained in the UK to practise in India and dentists trained in India to practise in the UK. [126912]
§ Mr. HuttonThere are no reciprocal arrangements. Dentists registered in the United Kingdom who wish to practise in India have to satisfy the statutory authority that their qualifications, training and experience meet its requirements. Like other dentists from abroad, Indian dentists wishing to practise here may apply to the General Dental Council (GDC) to take its statutory examination. Those dentists who wish to undertake postgraduate training in the United Kingdom in a hospital post may 227W apply to the GDC for temporary registration on the basis of evidence of acceptance for employment in that post. Temporary registration is granted for periods not exceeding 12 months up to an aggregate of four years.