DHSC to consult on dental hygienist and therapist independent prescribing rights

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has opened discussions on prescribing rights for dental hygienists and therapists with the British Association of Cosmetic Dental Professionals (BACDP).

The BACDP said it had been ‘invited to present the case for change’, advocating for dental therapists and hygienists to be awarded powers to independently prescribe.

The lack of scope for dental care professionals to prescribe basic medications has often been questioned, with dental governance specialist Alicja Zajac criticising the extent to which they are ‘restricted by rigid item lists and unable to exercise full diagnostic and prescribing autonomy’.

In 2024, dental hygienists and therapists were granted the power to supply and administer certain prescription-only medications. While he considers this a ‘welcome first step’, dental therapist Robbie Stewart stressed that these exemptions were ‘never meant to be the finish line’.

He continued: ‘Dental therapists and hygienists are already diagnosing, treatment planning and managing patients within their scope every day, yet we still have to stop and ask a dentist to sign off routine medicines.

‘Nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists and podiatrists all have a structured route to supplementary and then independent prescribing. Dental professionals deserve the same: an accredited qualification, within our existing scope, with proper governance.

‘That isn’t about stepping on dentists’ toes. It’s about getting patients treated without unnecessary delays, at a time when access to NHS dentistry is at crisis point.’

‘An exciting step for dental therapists and hygienists’

The dental hygiene and therapy community has welcomed the news that the DHSC will hear evidence on expanding prescribing rights.

Dental therapist Freya Milnes said: ‘I think this is such an exciting step for dental therapists and hygienists, and it’s really encouraging to see conversations like this taking place at a higher level. The profession has evolved so much over the years, and I think there is so much potential for dental therapists to have an even greater role in patient care in the future.

‘More prescribing rights would be a huge development in terms of allowing dental therapists to work more autonomously within their scope of practice, remove some of the barriers we can face when managing patients, and ultimately provide a more seamless experience for patients.

‘More broadly, I’m really excited about where the profession is heading. Dental therapy is such a rewarding career, and I’d love to see more recognition of the skills, knowledge and scope that dental therapists bring to the dental team. It’s fantastic to see the BACDP advocating for change and putting forward the case!’

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