Introduction

MP Norman Lamb (North Norfolk, Liberal Democrat) has queried the effect of increased dental student numbers on clinical teaching time.

In a written question last month Mr Lamb asked if the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills had assessed the impact of increased student numbers on the clinical time included in training.

He also asked what assessment the Department had made of the dental academic workforce and what plans it had to increase the number of academic posts in UK dental schools, and whether there was a recommended student:teacher ratio.

Education minister Bill Rammell (Labour, Harlow) said: 'Although we have not specified a student teacher ratio we are aware from surveys conducted by the Council of Heads and Deans of Dental Schools of a decrease in the number of clinical academic dentists.'

'In order to address this challenge in the context of the increase in student numbers the Department of Health has allocated additional funds building to £29 million by 2010/11 for the clinical training of dental students,'he added.

'With the development of outreach training in dentistry, more students are receiving part of their training in general dental practices where suitable trained and experienced dental practitioners provide clinical training,' he said.

A survey by the Council of Heads and Deans of Dental Schools, published in May last year, found that in 2006 there were 435 full time equivalent clinical academics in UK dental schools – some nine per cent fewer than in 2000. Fifty five per cent were over 46.

'The high proportion of older clinical academics poses problems for dental schools' workforce planning,' the survey noted.

'It is vital to ensure that individuals are attracted to a career in clinical academic dentistry in sufficient numbers to allow for the maintenance of a healthy pool of researchers and clinical teachers to rise up the clinical academic ranks and replace those leaving the population,' it said.

The survey showed the ratio of men to women in academic dentistry was seven to one. There were 12 female professors in UK dental schools compared with 84 male. At senior lecturer level men outnumbered women by three to one. 'With 56 per cent of all dental students now women it is vital these individuals are able to fulfil their full potential in their chosen career, academic or otherwise,' the survey said.

The latest figures from the University and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) show a total of 1,199 students were accepted by UK dental schools for the current academic year. The intake comprised 691 women and 508 men.