In this episode, we dig into the landmark Joint Statement on the Role of Dental Therapists in General Anaesthesia Settings — a collaboration between the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry, the British Association of Dental Therapists, the British Society of Special Care Dentistry, and the Society for the Advancement of Anaesthesia in Dentistry.
Joining us are three people who helped shape it: Adrian Thorp, President of BAOS and Clinical Director at Community Dental Services CIC; Oosh Devalia, President of BSPD, also with a CDS background; and Debbie Hemington, President of BADT.
Together we explore what the statement actually changes for dental therapists working under GA — from restorative care and extractions in paediatric settings to the much stricter supervision rules for adult special care patients. We ask why this collaboration came together now, what part Community Dental Services played in shaping it, and what it will take to turn this “clarification” of scope into real change on hospital rotas.
With dental extraction remaining the leading cause of hospital admission for children aged 5 to 9, and NHS GA waiting lists still under serious pressure, this is a conversation about safely expanding who can do what — without compromising the standards that keep patients safe.
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Click here to read the Joint Statement on Dental Therapist Roles in General Anaesthetic Settings: https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/gdc-guidance-for-dental-professionals/dental-therapist-roles-in-general-anaesthetic-settings
