Dental Hygienists and Therapists are valuable members of the clinical dental team and form part of a larger dental team. They work to a Scope of Practice, which is provided by the General Dental Council; undertaking clinical procedures that is not identified in this document could result in Fitness to Practice issues, with possible permanent erasure from the GDC DCP Register, in addition to jeopardising your indemnity.
Career opportunities are excellent and varied with Dental Hygienists and Therapists working in General Dental Practices, in a Hospital environment, the Community Dental Services, corporate bodies and the armed forces. Additionally, more Dental Hygienists and Therapists are undertaking ‘the business of dentistry’ by owning their own dental practices and employing other dental professionals, and this is likely to grow in the future. This is a career that provides flexible working opportunities, in addition to continuing professional development, offering a fulfilling lifelong career.
For general information on Hygienist and Therapist training visit the British Association of Dental Therapists British Association of Dental Therapists or the British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy.