Direct Access
Direct Access at Brundholme Dental Practice Ltd
You may have been directed you to this page because you have a Direct Access Appointment to see a Dental Care Professional (DCP) without first seeing a dentist. Prior to your appointment, we must ensure you know the DCP* you will see is a trained professional with a wide skill set, but not a dentist.
*Dental Care Professionals will be referred to as DCPs on this web-page.
DCPs that you may see under Direct Access with us at Brundholme Dental Practice Ltd are:
- Dental nurse
- Dental hygienist
- Dental therapist
More information on direct access can be found here:
https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/direct-access
What can a DCP do?
A DCP delivers direct access treatments within their Scope of Practice, individual knowledge, skills and experience to practice safely and effectively in the best interests of patients. You can see the full list of what different DCPs can do here:
https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/scope-of-practice/scope-of-practice.pdf
Please note that a DCP completing these treatments is dependant on their individual skill-set and preference so a DCP may not be able to complete every treatment listed within this scope of practice.
Do I still need to see my dentist?
Yes. We recommend you still see your dentist at least once per year. Our dental therapist may recommend that you see a dentist before your routine examination with the dentist is due. In these circumstances, they will discuss the reasons for this with you and we will book you an appointment with your registered dentist.
This may be because they feel that you need treatment or advice that they are unable to provide. For example, a dental therapist cannot provide more complex treatments such as crowns, bridges and dentures. They cannot provide treatment involving the nerve of the tooth, for example, a root canal treatment.
If you have any queries regarding the contents of this web page, please speak with a team member.
