The Dental Council has submitted a draft scheme to my Department for the establishment of a class of auxiliary dental worker to be known as clinical dental technician. The draft scheme was brought forward by the Dental Council pursuant to the statutory provisions of the Dentists Act, 1985 and would permit the technician to operate independently, in accordance with the provisions of Section 54 of the Act, in the fitting, insertion or fixing of artificial teeth. The scheme is being considered by my Department.