Dental therapists underutilised in UK practices, expert warns
Practical insight into therapist skill utilisation and how full scope practice improves both efficiency and patient care in UK dentistry.
Sweta Surana Bhandari, a dental therapist with overseas dentistry qualifications and an MSc from the University of Birmingham, argues that the UK dental system is not making full use of highly trained therapists. Despite the 2013 direct access ruling expanding their scope, many therapists find themselves restricted to hygiene maintenance rather than the restorative and paediatric work they are trained to perform.
The scope utilisation gap
Bhandari describes the current situation as a 'Ferrari in a school zone': therapists are trained for complex restorative work, paediatric care, and primary tooth extractions, yet many practices limit them to routine hygiene tasks. This underutilisation is particularly costly given that NHS leadership, including chief dental officer Jason Wong, has identified skill mix as essential to addressing dental access challenges. Recent developments such as the Joint Statement on the Role of Dental Therapists in General Anaesthesia Settings show industry recognition that therapists should expand their clinical contribution.
Benefits of full scope practice
Bhandari works in a practice that empowers therapists to operate within their full GDC registration scope. She reports that this model delivers better patient outcomes through dedicated preventive-focused restorative care and improved team synergy. Rather than functioning as 'mini dentists', therapists in this setting are positioned as a distinct, specialised cohort capable of managing most routine dental needs, which also helps clear NHS waiting lists.
Frequently asked questions
What can dental therapists do in the UK after the 2013 direct access ruling?
Since 2013, dental therapists have had direct access to patients and can perform restorative work, paediatric care, and primary tooth extractions within their GDC registration scope. However, many practices restrict therapists to hygiene maintenance, not utilising their full qualification.
Why are dental therapists described as underutilised in UK practices?
Many practices limit therapists to routine hygiene tasks despite their training in restorative care and complex paediatric procedures. This restriction wastes skilled resources at a time when NHS leadership emphasises skill mix to address dental access shortages.
What outcomes does full scope dental therapist practice deliver?
Practices that empower therapists to work within their full scope report better patient outcomes through preventive-focused restorative care, improved team synergy, and faster NHS waiting list clearance.
What is the Joint Statement on Dental Therapists in General Anaesthesia Settings?
This recent industry milestone recognises the expanded role of dental therapists in GA settings, signalling that the dental sector expects therapists to take on more complex clinical responsibilities than many currently perform.
