National Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist Day marks 13 years of direct access
Recognition day for UK and Ireland dental hygienists and therapists marks 13 years since direct access legislation.
Dentistry.co.uk marks the third annual National Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist Day on 1 May, celebrating the profession and recognising the contributions of these dental care providers. The date commemorates 1 May 2013, when direct access legislation came into force in the UK and Ireland, allowing dental hygienists and dental therapists to treat patients without a prior examination by a dentist.
Origins and recognition
The day was created in partnership with the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT), the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT), and the Irish Dental Hygienists' Association (IDHA). It has become an annual observance held each 1 May to acknowledge the evolving role of these professionals in modern dentistry.
Campaign content and themes
Throughout April 2026, Dentistry.co.uk ran a campaign in partnership with NSK featuring articles and videos from dental hygienists and dental therapists. Content covered inclusive dentistry for neurodivergent patients, dental therapy in hospital settings, the integration of lifestyle medicine into dental hygiene practice, and direct access implementation in the UK and Ireland. The campaign also included contributions from professional association presidents and guidance on managing direct access in clinical practice.
Frequently asked questions
When did direct access legislation for dental hygienists and therapists start in the UK?
Direct access legislation came into force on 1 May 2013, allowing dental hygienists and dental therapists to treat patients without a prior examination by a dentist. This date is now marked annually as National Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist Day.
Which professional bodies organise National Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist Day?
The day is run in partnership with the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT), the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT), and the Irish Dental Hygienists' Association (IDHA).
What topics were covered in the 2026 National Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist Day campaign?
The April 2026 campaign featured content on inclusive dentistry for neurodivergent patients, dental therapy in hospital settings, lifestyle medicine integration into dental hygiene, and direct access implementation across the UK and Ireland.
How many years has National Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist Day been running?
The observance is now in its third year, held annually on 1 May to recognise the contributions of dental hygienists and dental therapists to modern dentistry.
