A mixed-method study to establish the current level, nature and attitude to the provision of treatment under direct access for dental hygienists and dental therapists who are members of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy

Abstract

To perform an online survey and follow-up interviews to assess the current level, nature and attitude of dental hygienists and dental therapists to the provision of treatment under Direct Access. Method In November 2022 an online survey was sent to all members of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy together with an information sheet. Completed questionnaires were returned via Google Docs and analysed. Participants for the follow-on interviews were recruited from survey participants who had consented to being contacted. The survey was given ethics approval by the University of Kent Global and Lifelong Learning Ethics Committee. Results The response rate to the survey was 16% (n=419). Eleven follow-up interviews added a richness to the quantitative survey data. The vast majority of participants were female (96% n=403): 64% (n=268) reported their scope of practice as a dental hygienist and 36% (n=151) as a dental therapist. Two-thirds (n=281) of the treatment carried out by participants was on a private basis. Eighty-one percent of participants (n=340) reported their clinical work to be mainly dental hygiene, with 3% (n=11) carrying out mainly dental therapy and 16% (n=66) carrying out an equal mixture of both dental hygiene and dental therapy. Almost a fifth (19% n=80) of participants reported to never providing treatment under Direct Access. A large majority (71% n=299) worked under Direct Access some of the time and 9% (n=39) worked under Direct Access all of the time. Conclusion This study has established the level and extent of the provision of Direct Access amongst members of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy. Within the limitations of this mixed method study, dental hygienists and dental therapists are confident in providing care under Direct Access within their scope of practice, although there are contractual and other barriers leading to their underutilisation in the NHS.