Q. Can a dental hygienist or dental therapist carry out non-surgical cosmetic treatment (NSCT)?

Currently the Scope of Practice of a hygienist and therapist as published by the GDC does not include NSCT. In addition the Quality Mark registration being made available to dentists by the Independent Health Advisory Services (IHAS), after May 2010, is not yet available to them. However we can foresee that this situation may change in the future and Dental Protection would then be able to offer indemnity to a hygienist or therapist member who is trained and competent at NSCT provided they are in the correct membership category.

Any new developments in the situation will be posted on the DPL website where you can also find a position statement on cosmetic and adjunctive procedures