Seòmar agus comataidhean

One hundred and sixty. Does the Scottish Government have any plans to increase that number?

I will come back to the 5,700 dentists—it is interesting and helpful to know about that.

I asked the question because we have heard evidence on the number of dentists and practices that have become solely private. Even if the outcome of the discussions is regarded as successful on all sides, I fear that the majority of those dentists will not go back into the NHS but will remain private, which means that there will continue to be a shortfall in NHS dentistry provision across parts of the country. It is hugely important to increase the number of dentists coming into the scheme who will provide those services.

Minister, you mentioned that there were 130 dental students.

Could that tie-in be increased?

I know that my dental practice has someone from the EU who came in and who is still there—and it is greatly appreciated.

On the 5,700 dentists, what other aspects have you considered to entice people to Scotland?

Those generally sound like useful tools in the armoury to help to deal with the situation that we face. However, to go back to a point that the minister, quite rightly, raised earlier, the financial situation is tough, so how would those initiatives be paid for?

I asked a question last week on the issue of directors of dentistry, and John Mason touched on the situation in Shetland earlier. What exactly is their role and what do they contribute? Potentially, do they cost a lot of money for very little by way of return?

I have one final question.

On the issue of tie-ins, whether for graduates or the potential 5,700 international dentists, what length of time would you consider to be the preferred option for a tie-in for new dentists?

That concludes the public part of the meeting.