Prescribing powers for dental therapists and hygienists ‘eminently sensible’

It comes after the government launched a consultation on proposals that would grant dental hygienists and dental therapists the authority to supply and administer certain medicines without the need for a dentist's direct supervision.

The government said the proposed changes could address a number of issues, including improving patient access to certain medications – particularly in cases where patients face challenges getting timely appointments with dentists. The reform could also allow dentists to focus on more complex procedures while delegating medication administration to qualified hygienists and therapists.

Health law expert Louise Fullwood of Pinsent Masons said: “This is an eminently sensible proposal. Freeing up the well-trained and experienced dental therapists and hygienists to be able to supply and administer specific medicines will be good for patients and enable faster and more patient-centred treatment.”

“At present, if a therapist or hygienist wishes to prescribe or administer medicines, they must do so under the direction of a dentist. This often puts a delay in the process and takes up the valuable time of dentists in carrying out administrative tasks,” she added.

The proposals cover specific, identified prescription-only medicines, like local anaesthetics commonly used during dental hygiene procedures, fluoride treatments and treatments for oral thrush. They also refer to pharmacy medicines and general sale list medicines which do not require a prescription, such as painkillers. However, antibiotics are not included in the proposals due to the government’s policy of restricting the prescription of these medicines to prevent an increase in antibiotic resistance.

Fullwood said: “Comparisons can be drawn with similar moves to allow pharmacists to prescribe and supply certain prescription-only medicines without the need for involvement of a doctor. By limiting prescribing to a small class of practitioners – essentially doctors – the existing law is somewhat outdated.”

She added: “The proposed reforms would help to recognise the abilities that other skilled and experienced healthcare professionals have while shifting some tasks from clinicians to other frontline staff, improving the overall experience and outcomes for patients.”