On July 6, 2024, the British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy (BSDHT) celebrated its platinum anniversary, and members are set to give something back in the 365 days leading up to it.
Members from each regional group are poised to begin undertaking 75 hours of community support, or voluntary work, which will be reported on throughout the year, plus there are other significant activities in the pipeline, soon to be revealed.
Speaking about this incredible milestone, Miranda Steeples, BSDHT President, commented, “We are so proud to be part of and represent the BSDHT at this incredible moment in time, in terms of the BSDHT’s efforts and successes over the year, as well as our members’ achievements and how far dental care itself has come over the last 75 years.
“It seemed only right that as we celebrate, we also give back, and that will form the mainstay of our next 365 days, in addition to the amazing things dental hygienists and dental therapists do every day in their professional capacity.”
The BSDHT (formerly British Dental Hygienists’ Association - BDHA) was set up in 1949 by a group of 12 dental hygienists who felt the time was right to organise a professional association to represent the interests of their profession. Almost 75 years later, the BSDHT is a nationally recognised body that represents over 4,000 members across the UK and beyond.
Over the years, the BSDHT has worked hard to represent the interests of members and to provide a consultative body for public and private organisations on all matters relating to dental hygiene and therapy. The society aims to work with other professional and regulatory groups to provide the highest level of information to members as well as to the public.
For example, the BSDHT’s campaigning efforts were integral to the creation of Direct Access in 2013, enabling dental hygienists and dental therapists to see patients directly, removing the requirement to carry out treatments under prescription, or treatment plan, from a dentist, as long as they are trained, competent, and indemnified to do so.
These types of campaigns ensure that the needs of the dental hygiene and therapy community are represented and promoted, while the day-to-day activities of the BSDHT make certain that members feel supported in all aspects of their working life.
For more information visit www.bsdht.org.uk.