BDA and other bodies call for direct access clarification

The British Dental Association (BDA) and other industry stakeholders have called for additional clarification to be provided on the new direct access regulations.

Organisations such as the British Association of Dental Nurses, the British Association of Dental Therapists, the British Association of Clinical Dental Technology, the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy and the Faculty of General Dental Practice met at the BDA headquarters to share their views on the issue.

The new arrangements for direct access to dental hygienists and therapists were implemented in May 2013 by the General Dental Council (GDC), but dentists remain confused about their relation to NHS rules and variations in legislation between devolved nations.

Further confusion over prescribing and reporting on radiographs, consent and referrals within the dental team to ensure efficient and safe care for patients is also holding back efforts to implement the rules effectively.

The meeting concluded with the agreement that its members "would work together to try to resolve lingering uncertainties which stakeholders believe must be addressed for patients and clinicians alike".

When the new regulations were introduced earlier this year, the BDA was harshly critical of the GDC decision, stating that the move did not have the support of professionals or patients.