Direct Dental Hygienists Limited

Did you know you can now go straight to a dental hygienist without seeing your dentist first?

Due to new legislation It is now possible to come straight to a dental hygienist without seeing a dentist first this is called direct access.

What is Direct Access?

Until May 2013 if you wanted to make an appointment with a dental hygienist you would have to see a dentist. The general Dental Council have now removed this restriction and you can now book directly with a dental hygienist. The dental hygienist will have arrangements in place so that if you do need to see a dentist /periodontist because the treatment you need is something the dental hygienist cannot do, they can refer you.

These new arrangements do not take the place of a check up from the dentist.

What do we do?

A hygienist can see you to remove staining, tartar, plaque deposits and other debris and give oral hygiene advice. In relation to gums, the hygienist can assess and advise you on the current status of any gum disease.

More advanced conditions still need to be assessed by a dentist as x-rays and more extensive records are required. The hygienist will advise you if this is needed and refer you to a dentist or gum specialist (periodontist).