Dental auxiliaries for dental care traditionally provided by dentists

Assessing the efficacy and social acceptability of using hygienist-therapists as front-line clinicians

“…The reason for this could be that the practices involved in this study have utilised H-Ts for many years, with both practices allowing H-Ts to complete restorations which is more unusual nationally. 6,18 Despite this, the evidence gathered supports the findings relating to patient acceptance of H-Ts within the existing literature. 21,[23][24][25]44 Furthermore, it confirms the acceptability of H-Ts when completing tasks previously undertaken by GDPs.…”

“…5,17 HTs also adopt a more preventive approach, when compared to many GDPs, as their clinical training focuses on prevention rather than surgical intervention. 8,18,19 However, although intuitive, using a less expensive resource to undertake a clinical task may not always result in a cost-saving. 20 Less experienced staff may take more time to reach a diagnosis and see fewer patients per session.…”

Direct access: how is it working?

“…20 Similar arrangements are well established in New Zealand, the Netherlands and elsewhere. Northcott et al, in a qualitative study of direct access arrangements in the Netherlands, reported similar concerns regarding teamwork, public perceptions and referral arrangements etc as those voiced by the hygienists and therapists in the present study.…”

What proportion of dental care in care homes could be met by direct access to dental therapists or dental hygienists?

“…Given the limited evidence of dental auxiliaries' cost-effectiveness 14 or of the costeffectiveness of direct access there is a need for further studies. It is important for patients that there is both good communication and continuity of care if a skill mix team are to be trusted.…”