Cat Edney explains how dental practices can implement a shared care model to relieve pressure on dentists and ensure the right clinician is utilised at the right time.
Dental practices across the UK are facing increasing pressure from rising patient demand, workforce challenges, extended waiting times and inefficiencies in traditional dentist-led workflows. To remain sustainable while continuing to deliver high-quality patient care, practices must evolve.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by embedding dental therapists and hygienists into a truly shared care model, where responsibility, accountability and opportunity are distributed across the clinical team rather than concentrated with individual dentists.
Dental therapy, when implemented well, is not about replacing dentists or lowering standards. Instead, it is about ensuring the right clinician is providing the right care at the right time. Dental therapists are highly trained clinicians whose scope includes preventive dentistry, periodontal care, restorative treatments, and patient education. When their role is optimised and supported by clear protocols, dental therapists can significantly increase access to care while allowing dentists to focus on complex diagnosis, advanced treatment planning, and leadership within the practice.
