Lottie Manahan explores the benefits for dental therapists and hygienists when investing in equipment and health.
In the ever-evolving field of dental hygiene and therapy, dental hygienists and therapists (DH&Ts) recognise the significance of investing in their own health and equipment.
With new technologies at the forefront of patient care, it is crucial to stay updated and equipped with the necessary tools.
Increasingly, DH&Ts play a critical role in maintaining oral health. Our skills and knowledge support the ideal of a targeted and preventative approach to care. With issues of access to NHS dental care a nationwide problem, this model has never been so vital.
Skill mix
In January, NHS England acknowledged as much by making amendments to the FP17, allowing dental hygienists and dental therapists to ‘record their contribution to providing NHS care, including to open and close a course of treatment under NHS contract arrangements as ‘part of their plans to support the development of skill mix in dentistry’ (NHS, 2023).
Since 2013, we have been able to work privately to our full scope of practice, providing direct access to patients without people needing to see a dentist first.
But with many private practices successfully implementing it – albeit in different ways – there remained some confusion about direct access delivery within the NHS.
To coincide with the 2022/23 contract reforms, NHS England therefore announced its satisfaction that ‘dental therapists and dental hygienists can provide direct access to NHS care where that care is within the GDC scope of practice, if they are qualified, competent, and indemnified to do so’.
Anticipating that many dental care professionals – and dentists – would welcome the new opportunities this brought, British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy president Miranda Steeples hailed the move as positive recognition of the ability of colleagues ‘to contribute to the oral healthcare of England’s population across all sectors in dentistry’.
Professional autonomy
Professional autonomy has been a long-fought-for ideal. Most of us expect to work to our full scope of practice once qualified and many supporters within dentistry have long argued that enjoy a fulfilling career, we should be empowered by and confident in our capabilities.
Dr Colin Campbell discussed this in a presentation at the ITI Congress UK & Ireland in 2021 (Dental Design, 2021). With specific reference to implant patients, he suggested that dental hygienists and therapists ‘need more autonomy to work collaboratively with dentists’ and that they are ‘best placed to assess and stabilise a patient’s periodontal condition’.
‘Understanding the value of these team members, which is more than just financial, is key to changing attitudes and successfully restructuring the practice,’ he said.
While acknowledging our need to establish ourselves as an independent clinician, Colin is among those who also recognises that practice teams must adapt to support this.
For many colleagues, working in multiple dental practices is the norm. But a peripatetic working model is notoriously challenging, and establishing a level of clinical autonomy while adapting to different clinical setups and workflows can take time and effort. Burnout is already a concern within the profession; fighting our corner has taken its toll on many of us.
How equipment can help
An area that can help is ownership of personal equipment that grants us a sense of professional autonomy while delivering the best care for patients. Although the dental practices where we work provide standard equipment, having personal tools establishes a mindset that lends itself to practices accepting us as an independent business.
This freedom enables us to select equipment that best aligns with our clinical approach. It fosters professional growth and personal ownership and supports job satisfaction.
We can work more efficiently and conveniently across environments. Familiarity with our instruments promotes speed and accuracy, enabling us to provide optimal care without extensive adjustment periods. This leads to better utilisation of appointment times, which is a win-win for everyone involved.
The correlation between our own happiness and that of our patients cannot be overlooked. A contented and confident DH&T will provide attentive and high-quality care, ensuring patient satisfaction and loyalty.
Personal equipment also allows for consistency in our treatment, ensuring patients receive standardised care regardless of the practice they visit. This continuity fosters stronger relationships and contributes to better oral health outcomes.
The Wand
I recently trialled The Wand travel kit, a computer-assisted system that administers anaesthesia via a pen-like device giving the clinician more control. It is aesthetically appealing to patients with needle fear because it isn’t imposing. It’s is effective and pain-free, helping us to earn trust with more nervous patients by ensuring a more comfortable dental experience.
As part of our role, The Wand travel kit – which is exclusively available from Dental Sky – can be hugely beneficial and adds to the tools that set us apart.
Setting up The Wand travel kit is remarkably easy and offers convenience for those on the go. Its portable design and straightforward assembly make it suitable for various clinical environments. DH&Ts can swiftly set it up at any location, ensuring access to the latest pain-free technology, regardless of where they practice.
Benefits of equipment
1. Portability
Easy to carry from one practice to another, it is compact and lightweight, making it convenient for those who frequently move between different sites. This portability eliminates the need to rely on larger, stationary anaesthesia delivery systems in each location.
2. Ease of use
The pen-like design makes it user-friendly. Setup time is quick and requires little training. I found it particularly kind to periodontic patients.
3. Precise anaesthesia delivery
The computer-assisted technology enables precise control and delivery of anaesthesia. The device utilises a microprocessor to regulate the flow rate and pressure, resulting in accurate administration of the anaesthetic agent.
This delivery can enhance patient comfort, minimise the potential for complications and contribute to a positive dental experience.
4. Earns trust
New technologies can help to secure patient trust and earn us a reputation for kinder dental care – especially if it means faster, more effective and pain-free procedures.
5. Patient comfort and anxiety reduction
The pen-like design and accurate anaesthesia delivery can help improve patient comfort and reduce anxiety, allowing for localised numbing and avoiding unnecessary numbness in surrounding areas. This targeted approach can alleviate patient fear of prolonged numbness and enhance their overall experience.
Enhanced patient comfort, reduced anxiety and simplified workflows are key to the success of care delivery. For DH&Ts working in multiple dental practices and looking to establish a sense of autonomy, owning personal equipment holds immense value.
It provides customisation, professional autonomy and continuity of care. Investing in advanced equipment yields many benefits, elevating our professional practice, improving patient experience and ensuring better oral health outcomes. Prioritising our mental and physical wellbeing also supports improved workplace satisfaction.
Utilising new technologies showcases a commitment to providing the best possible care to patients. Patients notice these differences, which enhances their perception of our skills and expertise. As dentistry evolves, recognising the importance of personal equipment is essential for empowering us and the patients we serve.
For more information visit www.dentalsky.com/wand_dental.
