The vital role of hygienists and therapists

The survey, which considered the opinions of 80 dental professionals, provided interesting insight into the thoughts and feelings of the profession in regards to NHS dentistry practice changes and tracked their levels of confidence. 

Concerns were also raised about remuneration under new targets, career prospects and the ability to work within frameworks. But most of those surveyed remained confident that patients would continue to be happy at the service they received.

The British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy (BSDHT) believes that these perceptions can be altered through correct utilisation of the entire dental team and that as a whole they can exceed all expectations.

“Within dentistry all professionals have a duty to provide the best possible service to patients that they can. If dentists feel concerned about being able to provide this under an altered NHS framework then they should be encouraged to turn to dental hygienists and therapists who can play a vital role in providing NHS services, especially when it come to the balance between treatment and prevention,” commented Michaela ONeill, President of the British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy.