Charminster House Dental Practice
65 Wellington Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 8JL

Direct Access | Charminster Dental
7453
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Direct Access

‘Direct access’ means patients having access to treatment or services provided by registered DCPs (hygienists, dental nurses or technicians) without referral by a dentist.

In May 2013 the General Dental Council reviewed their standards and after consultation decided that the requirement to carry out certain treatments under prescription would be removed.

Direct access is not compulsory in dental practices.  Those who are able to and want to see patient’s directly are able to do so, but if a dentist and a dental care professional agree that they are happy with their current working arrangements, they can continue them.

At Charminster House Dental Practice we support the concept that the dentist is the leader of the dental team, who provides the initial diagnosis and treatment plan, and coordination of the care pathway, taking overall responsibility for patient care and helping the patient through their treatment journey.

For these reasons we have decided to opt out of the ‘direct access’ scheme.  Therefore, it is our practice policy that a prescription to see the hygienist at recommended intervals is renewed on an annual basis by the dentist at an examination appointment.

For more information regarding direct access, please see the GDC’s website at GDC-Direct Access