Unlocking the power of therapy-led care

Claire Bennett discusses the advantages and learning opportunities that come with integrating a therapy-led model into practice.

As the dental profession moves away from a traditional dentist-led approach, a growing number of practices are recognising the benefits of making full use of dental therapists within their scope of practice.

This shift not only improves efficiency and enhances patient care, but also creates a more sustainable model for the future. Claire’s own experience reflects this transformation, illustrating why such an evolution is increasingly valuable for modern dentistry.

What is a therapy-led approach?

A therapy-led approach places dental therapists at the forefront of patient care, enabling them to carry out examinations, diagnoses, treatment planning and restorative work within their full scope of practice. Crucially, this model is not about working in isolation, but rather thriving in a well-structured team environment where each professional plays to their strengths.

‘In my practice, referrals are seamless,’ explains Claire. ‘I refer complex periodontal disease cases to a dentist with a special interest in periodontics, who can then refer implant cases to a dental implant surgeon. The implant surgeon, in turn, works closely with an oral surgeon. This team-led approach eliminates delays, ensuring patients receive the right treatment at the right time in a familiar setting.’

This collaborative structure extends beyond clinicians. Dental nurses, for example, can be trained to take X-rays and intraoral scans under the prescription of the dentist, allowing clinicians to access vital diagnostic information without unnecessary delays. By leveraging the full capabilities of every team member, patient care becomes not only more efficient but also more effective.

The benefits for practices and the profession

For practice owners considering a shift towards a therapy-led model, the benefits are clear:

Improved efficiency – reducing patient waiting times and optimising appointment scheduling
Better patient outcomes – a stronger focus on prevention leads to reduced dental disease and long-term costs
Increased practice profitability – more efficient workflows allow for better use of resources, increasing revenue potential
Stronger teamwork – a collaborative approach reduces stress, prevents burnout and improves job satisfaction across the team.

Overcoming resistance and misconceptions

Despite its advantages, the transition to a therapy-led model is not without challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is internal resistance within the profession, often stemming from outdated perceptions of what dental therapists can and cannot do.

‘There is still a lack of understanding about our scope of practice,’ says Claire. ‘This can result in therapists being booked for cases beyond their remit, such as emergency patients requiring treatment we are not qualified to provide. These situations create delays for patients and disrupt practice workflows.’

Similarly, poor triaging at reception can lead to inefficiencies. Patients requiring denture-related treatment, for instance, may be incorrectly booked with a dental therapist instead of a dentist, causing unnecessary reappointments.

The key to success lies in structured booking systems, clear communication, and ensuring that all team members – including administrative staff – fully understand the roles and capabilities of each clinician.

‘The resistance we see towards dental therapists today is the same as we once saw towards dental hygienists,’ Claire notes. ‘Now, dental hygienists are an integral part of modern dental care. The lesson here is that our own perceptions hold us back, not patient needs or abilities.’

Enhancing patient access and outcomes

One of the strongest arguments for a therapy-led approach is its ability to improve patient accessibility and preventive care. By allowing dental therapists to take on routine restorative work, hygiene treatment, and patient education within their scope of practice, dentists are freed up to focus on complex cases and advanced procedures. This ensures that every clinician is working to their strengths while making dental care more accessible to a broader population.

‘There are talented dental therapists, just as there are talented dentists,’ Claire points out. ‘The key is placing the right professional in the right role at the right time, for the benefit of the patient.’

This model also fosters stronger patient engagement. Research shows that when patients receive education and preventive treatments from the entire dental team – not just the dentist – they are more likely to adopt positive oral health habits and accept recommended treatment.

‘We’ve seen higher treatment acceptance for minimally invasive dentistry, improved patient education and stronger trust in the dental team,’ she adds. ‘Patients don’t care about titles. They care about trust and quality care.’

Looking ahead

The future of dentistry lies in a fully integrated, team-led approach where every professional is empowered to work to their full potential. By shifting towards a therapy-led model, the profession can not only improve patient care but also build a stronger, more resilient workforce.

‘The future is not dentist-led, it’s team-led,’ says Claire. ‘By embracing the full potential of every dental professional, we can improve outcomes, reduce pressure on the workforce, and create a more sustainable, accessible and prevention-focused profession.’

As National Dental Hygienist and Dental Therapist Day approaches on 1 May 2025, it is time to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of dental hygienists and dental therapists. Their role is not just to support dentistry but also to help shape its future.

For those looking to connect with like-minded professionals and champion the evolution of the profession, the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) offers a supportive community, resources and advocacy. Find out more about how BSDHT is driving positive change at www.bsdht.org.uk.