2023, issue 24

Clearing up the confusion: direct access and scope of practice

Rupert Hoppenbrouwers
ByRupert Hoppenbrouwers
Published13 February 2023
We address the concerns and confusion over hygienists and therapists treating patients under direct access.

It's a condition of the GDC's direct access guidance that a dental hygienist or therapist treating patients who need care beyond their scope of practice or competence must have an established pathway to refer those patients to a dentist.

Dental complaints e-learning

This page was correct at publication on 13/02/2023. Any guidance is intended as general guidance for members only. If you are a member and need specific advice relating to your own circumstances, please contact one of our advisers.

Rupert Hoppenbrouwers
Senior dento-legal adviser

Rupert Hoppenbrouwers (BDS LDSRCS) was head of the DDU until his retirement at the end of 2015. He is a former general dental practitioner and was director of the School of Dental Hygiene at University College Hospital, London, from 1980 to 1986. He has lectured and written widely on risk management and dento-legal matters, has previously chaired the UK Dental Law and Ethics Forum, and has a particular interest in complex ethical and legal issues affecting dental members

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