Direct Access Hygienist Appointments
Access professional hygienist care without a recent dentist prescription. Our hygienists provide comprehensive oral health assessments and treatment while following strict professional guidelines.
What are direct access hygienist appointments?
Direct access hygienist appointments are classified by General Dental Council rules as appointments with the hygienist where the patient has not been prescribed the treatment by a dentist. In other words, when the patient has not seen a dentist prior to the hygienist appointment. A dentist's prescription for hygiene treatment expires once the patient has reached the dentist's advised check-up recall date, e.g. 6 months, 9 months, 12 months after a previous dental check-up.
You may fall into one of these categories if you have either not seen our dentist before, or you are overdue a check-up with Andrew. At a direct access hygienist appointment, the hygienist still has to follow a set of legal rules and professional guidelines to ensure patient safety and quality of care, all within their own scope of practice, but this also means they are unable to undertake the full dental check-up that a dentist can provide.
What to expect during your direct access hygienist appointment
As a minimum the hygienist will:
- Undertake a medical history review
- Undertake baseline records and charting
- Provide an overall check of your mouth including hard and soft tissue checks (this is not the same as a full dental check-up as only a dentist can provide that)
- Undertake oral cancer screening
- Undertake periodontal (gum) disease screening
- Undertake a bleeding on probing examination
- Undertake a Basic Periodontal Examination
- Provide Oral Hygiene Instructions
Some of these things are usually done by the dentist during a routine check-up, it means direct access hygiene treatment requires more clinical time for the hygienist, and as a result the cost of a direct access hygiene appointment is slightly higher than our dentist-prescribed standard hygienist appointment.
Our hygienist will not be able to take dental x-rays to provide an accurate diagnosis of gum disease or detect any tartar under the gumline. We know that dental check-ups are a vital as part of a patient's overall oral healthcare and we'd be happy to organise a check-up appointment with Andrew as well if you would prefer.
Frequently asked questions
We've compiled a list of common questions about this treatment. If you have any other queries, please get in touch.
- When do I need a direct access hygienist appointment?
You need a direct access hygienist appointment if you haven't seen our dentist before, or if you are overdue for a check-up with Andrew. A dentist's prescription for hygiene treatment expires once you've reached your advised recall date (typically 6, 9, or 12 months after your previous dental check-up).
- How is a direct access appointment different from a regular hygienist appointment?
Direct access appointments require more clinical time as the hygienist must perform additional assessments usually done by the dentist, including medical history review, baseline records, oral cancer screening, and periodontal disease screening. As a result, the cost is slightly higher than a dentist-prescribed standard hygienist appointment.
- What are the limitations of direct access hygienist appointments?
The hygienist cannot provide a full dental check-up (only a dentist can do this) and cannot take dental x-rays to provide an accurate diagnosis of gum disease or detect tartar under the gumline. However, they can provide comprehensive oral health screening and professional cleaning within their scope of practice.
- Should I also book a dentist appointment?
We know that dental check-ups are vital as part of your overall oral healthcare. We'd be happy to organize a check-up appointment with Andrew as well if you would prefer. This would ensure you receive comprehensive oral health care including x-rays and a full dental examination.
Contact us
Get in touch for exceptional and personalised care
Contact our team of dental experts, who are dedicated to providing you with personalised care and attention.
- Call us
- 02920 216 200
- Visit us
- 1st Floor Suite, 50 The Parade, Roath, Cardiff, CF24 3AB