Kempton Dental Practice always recommends to have a dental check-up first so the dentist can diagnose and provide specific instructions and treatment plan to the hygienist to make sure you get the best clinical outcome.
There clinical records would not be accurate, and they would not see the true picture if the hygienist has been seen first which would affect any advice and care given.
We recommend seeing the hygienist after seeing your dentist within 3 months of the check-ups.
If you see a dentist first, they will be able to provide the hygienist using what they have found during the examination and x rays- a detailed prescription for the hygienist to follow making sure you get the best out of your hygiene care.
There are some occasions where the dentist may prefer a hygiene visit first, but this will be on rare occasions with special circumstances.
What is Direct Access?
Direct Access for dental hygiene treatment gives you the option of making an appointment with a dental hygienist at a practice without being referred by a dentist.
Following the NICE guidelines, we use 2 years as the cut-off point before a dental check is recommended for low-risk patients.
If you haven’t had a check-up in 2 years by one of our dentists, then you will be considered a direct access patient if you would like to visit the hygienist.
What can dental hygienists do?
Dental hygienists are certified dental professionals dedicated to helping patients maintain oral health through the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease and the promotion of good oral hygiene practices.
What types of treatment can the dental hygienist provide?
There are lots of ways a dental hygienist can help you.
 For example:
Hygienist scope of practice.
The Hygienist cannot conduct a check-up and cannot diagnose or give the prognosis (the likely outcome) of diseases such as decaying or broken teeth, or prescribe antibiotics, painkillers or any other drug to alleviate symptoms.
The hygienist and front of house team will advise you to see a dentist first and may recommend you see a specialist if he/she feels that it is in the interests of your health, it is outside the scope of what he/she is allowed to do. There are very rare circumstances when he/she can’t start treatment, and before he/she can continue, insist that a dentist assesses you. These may relate to your medical history and general health, or the condition of your mouth, which gives him/her concern. The full fee will still be charged through and is not refundable.
The hygienist cannot take any responsibility of resulting discomfort or failed restorations during and after the treatment as the patients’ baseline has not been verified by the dentist. They are unaware of any underlying dental issues before hand.
You will be asked to sign a consent form at every direct access appointment if you wish to continue with any direct access hygiene appointments with the free paid on booking.
Direct access appointments are double the length of an average routine hygiene appointment as the hygienist will need more time to clean as they will be essential working without a baseline assessment and will take more care in the mouth.
Dental Professionals will always advise you to have a dental check-up first and then a hygiene appointment over being a direct access patient . This will always work out more cost effective and allow you to get the best out of the care we provide. However, there can be many reasons why patients choose to be a direct access patient thus we here at Kempston Dental Practice are proud to offer this service.
