Abstract
Background
This literature review (rapid evidence review) was commissioned by the General Dental Council (GDC) to evaluate the likely impact, including benefits and risks, of allowing patients direct access to treatment by dental care professionals (DCPs). The review will be used to inform the GDC’s Direct Access Task and Finish Group in making a recommendation to Council on this issue by March 2013. Current GDC regulations require a patient seeking dental treatment to see a dentist first, prior to any treatment by a DCP. Direct access would allow patients to see a DCP without this dentist gatekeeper role. DCPs include dental nurses, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians, and orthodontic therapists, and make up over 60% of the dental workforce. GDC registration has been compulsory for DCPs since 2008.
This literature review (rapid evidence review) was commissioned by the General Dental Council (GDC) to evaluate the likely impact, including benefits and risks, of allowing patients direct access to treatment by dental care professionals (DCPs). The review will be used to inform the GDC’s Direct Access Task and Finish Group in making a recommendation to Council on this issue by March 2013. Current GDC regulations require a patient seeking dental treatment to see a dentist first, prior to any treatment by a DCP. Direct access would allow patients to see a DCP without this dentist gatekeeper role. DCPs include dental nurses, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians, and orthodontic therapists, and make up over 60% of the dental workforce. GDC registration has been compulsory for DCPs since 2008.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Publisher | GDC UK |
| Number of pages | 86 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |