Prescribing rights

But recent developments may finally mean they can take a huge leap forward and get on with the job. 

Last month, an important milestone was reached in the continued development of the role of dental hygienists and therapists in the UK. The green light was given by NHS England Chief Professionals Office to pursue the long-held quest to have the ability to provide POMs – specifically, local anaesthetic, topical anaesthetic and fluoride varnish – to patients without having to first get a prescription from a dentist.

Over several months, the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) and the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT) have collaborated to undertake a scoping process with NHS England assessing the need for use of further mechanisms to administer or supply POMs for the profession.

BADT and BSDHT are pursuing exemptions to the Medicines Act. Exemptions would mean that a list of prescription only medicines would be specified in legislation for dental therapists and dental hygienists to administer or supply.