Don’t let the election delay improvements for hygienists and therapists; says Dental Protection

Dental Protection applauds the decision made by the Committee on Human Medicines of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency to allow dental therapists and dental hygienists to perform the following functions under a Patient Group Direction:

• the administration of local anaesthetics
• the sale, supply or oral administration of fluoride supplements and toothpastes with high fluoride content.

DPL understands that the Department of Health hopes to make the necessary amendments to the prevailing legislation within the next three months. This will make it necessary to amend the Medicines Act 1968 and it is to be hoped that the forthcoming election will not unduly alter the timescale to enact this much needed amendment.

Speaking at the Dentistry Show Kevin Lewis, Dental Director said, "As an organisation that is very much at the heart of the profession, Dental Protection has long been aware of the frustration and dento-legal danger created for dental hygienists and dental therapists created by existing legislation. I am delighted to hear from the Chief Dental Officer that this unintended consequence will soon be removed."

Media contact
David Croser
Dental Protection
33 Cavendish Square
London W1G 0PS
T; 020 7399 1397 E; david.croser@mps.org.uk