Direct Access at Twickel Dental enables patients to consult a hygienist or therapist without requiring a dentist's prescription. This approach provides enhanced flexibility and choices for our existing patients.
All new patients can benefit from booking in directly for a clean, but all new patient examinations need to be booked in with a dentist first.
Hygienist-administered treatments complement the services offered by dentists. Consequently, regular dental check-ups are crucial for patients to address individual needs.
If a patient has not undergone a recent examination, and the hygienist/therapist find any concern outside their scope of practice with direct access, may pause the treatment & refer to the dentist for an oral health review.
Hygienists/therapists, within their Scope of Practice and leveraging their expertise, skill set, and experience, deliver direct access treatments prioritising patient well-being.
Direct access treatments are available to existing patients. New patients opting not to consult a dentist first, are informed about the treatment limitations. For a comprehensive oral health & treatment planning assessment, patients are encouraged to book appointments with dentists.
In certain cases, hygienists or therapists may refer patients to dentists and seek patient consent for the referral, recording details in clinical records. Subsequent treatment sessions require written confirmation from the patient expressing their preference not to see a dentist, and the hygienist collaborates with the dentist on the patient's future care.
Distinguishing between dental therapists and hygienists, hygienists focus on clinical examinations, oral cancer screening, gum health assessments, and preventative oral care. They address gum disease and provide advice on oral hygiene practices and dietary habits. Dental therapists, in addition to hygienist duties, can perform simple restorations, take x-rays, and offer more complex treatments, including extracting primary teeth.
Collaboration among dental teams ensures appropriate referrals. If a hygienist or therapist identifies concerns beyond their scope, they refer patients to dentists or relevant health practitioners.
We encourage patients to keep regular appointments with the dentist for comprehensive oral health and treatment planning assessments.
Our direct access appointments breaks down the barriers to improving dental health, but we do recommend keeping up regular appointments with your dentist for comprehensive cover.
For further inquiries about direct access or to book in, please contact us at 01952 728 799.
What exactly is a dental therapist?
Dental Therapists are registered Dental Care Professionals (DCPs) who provide oral health advice and dental treatment. They are qualified to undertake the following treatments & procedures;
- Dental examinations
- Oral cancer screenings
- Diagnosis & planning of certain items of treatment
- Periodontal (gum) examinations & treatment
- Oral health advice & education
- Preventative care & treatment of dental disease
- Periodontal (gum) disease & tooth wear
- Prescription & implementation of radiographs (X-Rays)
- Fissure sealants
- Fluoride varnish application
- Injections
- Advice on smoking cessation
- Dental photography inside & outside the mouth
- Implementation of direct restorations (fillings) on primary (baby) & secondary (adult) teeth
- Placement of temporary fillings
- Obtain impressions & implement recement crowns
- Care of implants & treatment of peri-implant tissues
- Place pre-made crowns on primary (baby) teeth
- Extraction of primary (baby) teeth
- Implement pulpotomies (removing the pulp inside the tooth) on primary (baby) teeth
- Identification of anatomical features, recognise abnormalities & interpret common pathology
