BSDHT: 77 years of advancing dental hygiene and therapy
UK dental hygienists and therapists: understand the BSDHT's influence on your scope of practice, direct access rights, and professional development resources.
The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) marks 77 years of supporting dental hygienists and therapists since its founding as the British Dental Hygienists' Association (BDHA) in 1949. The organisation changed its name in May 2007 to reflect shifts in education and professional scope, and now represents members across public and private practice in the United Kingdom.
Expanding practice opportunities and professional recognition
The BSDHT played a central role in broadening where dental hygienists and therapists could work. Originally restricted to the Armed Forces and public dental service, the society campaigned to open roles in general dental practice, negotiated salaries, and secured associate membership with dental defence organisations. A major milestone came in 2013 with the introduction of direct access, allowing patients to see dental hygienists and therapists without a dentist's referral. In June 2024, the society worked with the British Association of Dental Therapists to gain exemptions allowing dental hygienists and therapists to supply and administer specific prescription-only medicines.
Education, publications, and member support
Education remains central to the BSDHT's mission. The society's 12 regional groups have delivered in-person and online learning since 1973, and its publications include the journal Dental Health (first published 1962), DH Contact, BSDHT Bites, and the Annual Clinical Journal of Dental Health (launched 2020), which offers online CPD. The society introduced the prestigious Dr Leatherman Award in 1994 to recognise outstanding contributions to the profession; 20 awards have been given to date. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the BSDHT provided weekly presidential updates, free online CPD, subscription fee breaks, and developed a Back to Practice Toolkit for returning members. The organisation continues to support students with free membership and discounts in the year after qualification, and launched a Preparation for Practice Handbook in 2021.
Frequently asked questions
When did the British Dental Hygienists Association change its name?
The name changed to the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) in May 2007, following a special resolution at the 2006 AGM to reflect changes in the education system and the broadened professional scope.
What is direct access in dental hygiene and when was it introduced?
Direct access, introduced in 2013, allows patients to see dental hygienists and therapists without a dentist's referral. The BSDHT actively collaborated with the General Dental Council to secure this change.
Can dental hygienists and therapists prescribe medicines?
Yes, as of June 2024, dental hygienists and therapists gained exemptions to supply and administer specific prescription-only medicines, secured through joint work between the BSDHT and the British Association of Dental Therapists.
What CPD resources does the BSDHT offer members?
The BSDHT provides CPD through its journal Dental Health, the Annual Clinical Journal of Dental Health, regional group meetings since 1973, and national conferences. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the society expanded access to free online CPD.
What support does the BSDHT offer newly qualified dental hygienists and therapists?
The BSDHT offers free membership for students and discounted fees in the first year after qualification. In 2021, it introduced a Preparation for Practice Handbook to support new graduates entering the profession.
