Written question asked by Lord Brady of Altrincham (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 4 October 2004. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Monday, 4 October 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will list those European Economic Area countries where practical experience gained using mannequins rather than live patients can satisfy the requirement for mandatory practical instruction for trainee dentists.

Answer: Mr. Brady: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those European Economic Area countries where practical experience gained using mannequins rather than live patients can satisfy the requirement for mandatory practical instruction for trainee dentists. [188036] Ms Rosie Winterton: EEC Directive 78/687 requires member states to ensure that dentists "complete at least a five year full-time course of theoretical and practical instruction", guaranteeing that they have acquired "suitable clinical experience under appropriate supervision". It is the responsibility of each member state to ensure that the qualifications they award to dentists comply in every respect with applicable European Union standards which could not be attained without experience of treating live patients. We are not aware of any evidence that this obligation is failing to be met.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 424 c1961W;424 c1959W; 188036
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Dental services Dentistry EU law Migrant workers Standards Training
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk