Written question asked by Mike Penning (Conservative) on Friday, 3 October 2008, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 October 2008. It was answered by Ann Keen (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 October 2008 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dentistry: Technicians

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to support training and professional development for clinical dental technicians.

Answer: The General Dental Council is responsible for approving training courses, which lead to the registration of dental care professionals. We believe that a training course for clinical dental technicians needs to be established in England. We were therefore very encouraged to learn that the Postgraduate Dental Dean for south east coast is collaborating the university of Kent to devise a course which should give credit for relevant experience and competencies which some dental technicians have already acquired. We understand the programme will be submitted to the General Dental Council's Education Committee in December and, if it is approved, places will be advertised in the new year.

Secondary information