Written question asked by Lord Lansley (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 June 2005. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 20 June 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dentistry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the number of trainee dentists in dental schools planning to undertake only NHS work when qualified.

Answer: Each year, some 700 students graduate from dental schools in the United Kingdom. Almost all these newly qualified dentists undertake one year's vocational training in an attachment to a dental practice where patients are treated under the national health service. Through our reforms, we are seeking to make NHS dentistry more attractive to dentists so that, when they become eligible to practise independently, they maintain a significant commitment to the NHS.

Secondary information