§ Lord Colwynasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action is being taken to address the shortage of dentists working in the National Health Service. [HL1475]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThere were 17,746 dentists in the General Dental Service in England at 31st December 1999, a record high, and an increase of 480 when compared with the position 12 months earlier. From 1 April the remuneration of dentists will increase by 3.3 per cent, which is in line with the recommendation of the Doctors' and Dentists' Review Body (DDRB).
The DDRB also recommended an additional £20 million for general dental practitioners in Great Britain to reward them for past and present commitment to the National Health Service as well as to reflect their experience and the quality of service they provide. One of the aims of the new scheme will be to encourage dentists to stay within the NHS. Negotiations are presently taking place with the profession on how the new scheme will be implemented.
§ Lord Colwynasked Her Majesty's Government:
212WAWhen the proposed changes to the Dentists Act 1984 that affect the General Dental Council will take place; and what changes will be the first priority. [HL1477]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe General Dental Council has made wide-ranging proposals for strengthening the self-regulation of dentists, dental hygienists and therapists and bringing other professions complementary to dentistry within a regulatory framework. I will shortly be meeting the President and Registrar of the General Dental Council to discuss priorities and more precise timing.
§ Lord Colwynasked Her Majesty's Government:
What discussions they have had with the British Dental Association on how to implement the Review Body's recommendation to pay for National Health Service dentists for the extra time required to take part in (a) the Government's quality improvement initiative and (b) the General Dental Council's re-certification proposals. [HL1478]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathAs yet, no mandatory requirements have placed additional demands upon dentists. As our plans for clinical governance develop, we will discuss with the profession what, if any, additional funding is required. When we know more about the detail of the General Dental Council's requirements for continuing professional development, we will discuss with the profession what postgraduate education allowance is fair to dentists committed to the National Health Service.