Being supportive

BADT president, Debbie Hemington, and chair, Fiona Sandomhave urged caution to their members over the NHS contract reforms in England until the full details are clarified. Whilst being fully supportive of skill mix within the dental team, especially in regards to delivering NHS services, members must make sure they are not exposing themselves to unnecessary risk.

A major concern among BADT members right now is whether they can deliver the NHS appointments being booked for them where patients have not first been seen by a dentist. Members have raised concerns about NHS check-ups being booked with them, often without any consultation. Currently, the BADT is seeking to clarify the details of the reforms in order to assist members on these and other matters. As such, current advice is for dental therapists and hygienists to not change their working patterns until the full details of the reforms are clear.