Using skill mix to future-proof children’s teeth

SpaDental, based in the west of England, strives to help children avoid future pain, discomfort and expense resulting from avoidable dental decay. It helps children to protect their teeth for life by promoting oral health awareness and regular dental examinations.

SpaDental is championing the full utilisation of ‘mixed skills’ in dentistry. This, combined with the recent NHS contract changes allowing direct access to Dental Care Professionals (DCPs), enables SpaDental to continue delivering children’s dental care despite the lack of available dentists offering NHS services, especially in the Southwest and rural settings.

The group has moved towards a model that integrates direct access therapist-led sessions. Post Brexit and Covid-19, it was clear that recruitment of GDC registered dentists was going to remain difficult for many years. So, SpaDental obtained a sponsorship licence, attracting overseas qualified dentists with GDC registration as therapists and implementing a structured vetting, training and support programme as required by the role. Now, these therapists are providing a much-needed service to young people.