Written question asked by John Pugh (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 22 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 7 September 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 September 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans the Department has to review the role of denturists within the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Dr. Pugh: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Department has to review the role of denturists within the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [187228] Ms Rosie Winterton: The practice of denturism is currently illegal in the United Kingdom, but the Department is working with the General Dental Council (GDC) to provide for the registration of appropriately trained clinical dental technicians (CDTs). On 30 July we issued for consultation a draft of an Order which, with other amendments to the Dentists Act 1984 to modernise the regulation of dentistry, would give the GDC the necessary powers. Comments on the draft are requested by 30 October and it will subsequently be laid before Parliament for debate under the affirmative procedure. Subject to approval, we expect the Order to come into force during 2005.

Secondary information