To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps have been taken to facilitate the transition of denturists from a system of self-regulation to one of licensed regulation with the General Dental Council, following the Dentists Act 1984 (Amendment) Order 2005. (86160)

Individuals who have been practising denturism in the United Kingdom (UK) have been doing so illegally and therefore there cannot be transitional provisions which allow them to enter the register on the basis of their UK experience. The legislation just approved allows them to practice legally in future if they now qualify.

Individuals who wish to register as clinical dental technicians (CDTs) will need to undertake a General Dental Council (GDC)-approved CDT qualification unless they already hold a qualification comparable to the ones the GDC will now recognise.