We hear from dental hygienists and therapists about why they are essential for improving access to dental care.
Grant Simleit, dental hygienist at Dental Confidence, Southampton
I find immense satisfaction in engaging with patients and working alongside them to enhance their oral health. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of my work, particularly when patients experience significant improvements in their health as a result of my care. Knowing that I’m helping to improve both their smiles and their overall wellbeing keeps me motivated.
While I enjoy treating all types of patients, I especially love working with children. It’s a unique opportunity to adjust my communication style to a younger audience, helping them tackle challenges like plaque control and diet through a collaborative approach with both the child and the parent. It’s a fulfilling experience for everyone involved, and I feel it’s particularly rewarding for parents, as they learn the importance of establishing good oral hygiene habits from an early age.
One of the best parts of my job is seeing patients return with enthusiasm and motivation, eager to share how much their oral health has improved. Their positive feedback and body language are clear indicators that the advice and care we’ve provided are making a difference.
I also had a memorable experience with a patient who had recently undergone cancer treatment and was struggling with severe xerostomia. During the hygiene appointment I recognised the extent of the problem, and I recommended saliva substitutes. A few weeks later, the patient called the practice manager to express gratitude, sharing how much these substitutes had improved the xerostomia. It’s moments like this that make being a hygienist so rewarding.
Dental hygienists and therapists play a critical role in the dental team. Because we see most patients far more frequently (thanks to shorter recall intervals for hygiene appointments), we’re often the first to notice any concerning changes in their oral health, which allows us to refer patients to the dentist when needed.
These regular visits help us establish strong relationships with patients, which builds trust and enables us to provide effective advice on plaque removal and oral hygiene. Shared care within the dental team ensures that patients receive comprehensive assessments, and it frees up the dentist’s time to focus on more complex procedures.
Dental therapists are also integral to the team, as they can perform restorations and other treatments for the whole family, leading to better management of the practice schedule and faster access to care.
With the growing demand for dental services, hygienists and therapists are essential in bridging the gap and improving access to care. Our role is critical in maintaining high-quality care and ensuring patients have timely access to treatment.
‘Dental hygienists and therapists play an essential, holistic role in people’s care – not only supporting oral health but also contributing to overall wellbeing.
‘They are often the first point of contact for patients, offering preventative care, education, and reassurance. We’re proud to champion their work and ensure they are recognised as a vital part of the wider dental team.’
Mark Allan
General manager, Bupa Dental Care
Nicola Hubbard, dental hygienist at Bupa Dental Care Ladybridge
Being a dental hygienist and dental therapist isn’t just a ‘job’, it’s a vocation. It’s a way of connecting with people, educating them and changing lives. You build up trust with your patients and help support them in their oral care journey, whether that be providing dental hygiene services, restoring teeth or many other procedures within our scope of practice.
I love going to work and being that smiling face that my patients have got to know and trust. I love caring for people, alleviating their fears and worries and making a difference in their lives.
Dental hygienists and therapists are a vital part of the dental team and our voices are getting louder and louder. The future is a more holistic approach to oral care and caries prevention and improving education and this is what we excel in.
Dentistry works best when streamlined and every clinician is utilised to their full potential. The introduction of direct access was a turning point and with this we can support our patients effectively and refer them where appropriate to other clinicians.
You can read part one here:
Find out more by visiting, www.jobs.bupadentalcare.co.uk.
The article is sponsored by Bupa Dental Care.
