Written question asked by Sandra Gidley (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 29 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 November 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 15 November 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, which staff are permitted to take impressions to make and fit dentures; which regulations apply to this; and if he will make a statement; what estimate he has made of the number of dentures provided illegally in each year since 1997. - Inc figures.

Answer: Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which staff are permitted to take impressions to make and fit dentures; which regulations apply to this; and if he will make a statement; [195532] (2) what estimate he has made of the number of dentures provided illegally in each year since 1997. [195533] Ms Rosie Winterton: Taking impressions and fitting dentures are part of the practice of dentistry which, under section 38 of the Dentists Act 1984, may only be carried out by a registered dentist or, in the case of taking impression, by a registered dental hygienist or dental therapist working under the direction of a dentist. We will shortly be laying regulations before the House which would empower the General Dental Council to register a new class of dental technician, the clinical dental technician, who would be able both to supply and fit dentures. Currently a dental technician who fits dentures is practising illegally. We do not have information on which to base an estimate of the number of dentures provided illegally. I understand that the General Dental Council has records of 41 cases it has prosecuted since 1997 involving dental technicians undertaking the practice of dentistry.

Secondary information