Miranda Steeples considers the possible opportunities and challenges for dental hygienists and dental therapists in the new year, and how the BSDHT is set to support its members come what may.

figure 1

©Carol Yepes/Moment/Getty Images Plus

What do you think are the biggest opportunities and challenges facing dental hygienists and dental therapists in 2023?

Miranda: The biggest opportunity will be the changes in the NHS contract, permitting dental hygienists and dental therapists to offer patients oral health care directly, bringing it in line with what can be provided in the private sector. This will enrich our working day and utilise all the skills we have for the benefit of patients.

This should be supported by the passing of exemptions legislation, enabling those who have the skillset - and choose to do so - to administer local anaesthetic and fluoride varnish, as well as dispensing high-strength fluoride toothpaste, to enhance patient care.

All of that said, the NHS contract amendment is a starting point. There are some creases that still need ironing out, but we at the BSDHT will continue the conversations around this and feed back to the policy makers, to help inform their decision making.

It will be a challenge to get this exactly where we would like it to be, for example educating the public at large and specifically our patients in terms of accepting treatment from different members of the dental team, and for all dental professionals to understand what each team member is capable of offering.

They are hurdles, though, not barriers; they can be jumped over or eventually knocked down for the benefit of both clinicians and patients.

With so much going on, how is the BSDHT planning to support members during the year ahead?

Miranda: We are planning some new educational opportunities around refreshing skills, thereby offering delegates the chance to build their confidence and competence in undertaking these tasks within the scope of dental hygienists and dental therapists.

We at the BSDHT will collaborate with our trade friends in order to support these activities, to give members the best opportunities to excel.

The research group is also working on some projects that will be ready for publication in 2023, which will help increase the professional knowledge base among dental hygienists and dental therapists.

We will encourage members to undertake their own research, to apply for prizes and awards that will offer them opportunities, including presenting their work at conferences. If they would like to get started in writing or presenting, we can help with that as well - just get in touch.

We continue to offer our support with regards to general enquiries, attaining CPD via various means, and, if you are falling on hard times, there is the Benevolent Fund (www.bsdht.org.uk/bsdht-benevolent-fund).

You also have in place a coaching and mentoring scheme. Who might that help, too?

Miranda: This programme is free to members and there is a range of coaches and mentors to choose from, each with their own area of knowledge, special interest, or expertise.

Coaching can help if you have something specific you want to prepare for, and mentoring is more of a whole life revamp where you are supported in making your own decisions as to the direction this will take. (See www.bsdht.org.uk/mentoring for details.)

What is your biggest ambition for your presidency?

Miranda: For me, the big picture is to make things better! That goes for everyone, but given my role, for BSDHT members in particular.

Dental hygienists and dental therapists deserve to go to work knowing they are supported to do the best job they can, and to feel happy and satisfied in their chosen career. I want to help instil in them the confidence to ask for what they want, to negotiate professionally and effectively to get what they need.

For me, the big picture is to make things better! That goes for everyone, but given my role, for BSDHT members in particular.

Then there is the desire to ensure we all get the opportunity, should we wish it, to utilise all the skills we trained in, to progress our professional development through increased research, and to expand our knowledge base. That would involve supporting education providers in offering postgraduate opportunities for members looking to build on their skillset.

Last but by no means least, I want to continue working collaboratively with our trade friends and fellow dental stakeholders for the betterment of all, including continuing our overseas relationships, sharing knowledge and experience with other dental hygienists and dental therapists around the world.

Is there anything else we should be preparing for over the year ahead in the world of oral health?

Miranda: Being ready to run with whatever openings come our way! That is going to involve embracing changes in NHS direct access and working with exemptions, and addressing the necessary details as we go.

We must not let fear stop us being bold. Patients need care, they need preventive advice, they need oral cancer screening.

Other organisations are sitting up and paying attention to the BSDHT. They want to engage with dental hygienists and dental therapists, and we are going to be on point every step of this new and exciting journey as we progress through 2023 and beyond!

For further information, visit www.bsdht.org.uk.