The words to use
- Dental care professional (DCP)
- Any GDC-registered team member other than a dentist: dental nurse, hygienist, therapist, orthodontic therapist, dental technician or clinical dental technician.
- Scope of practice
- The tasks a registrant is trained, competent and indemnified to do, within the boundaries of their title. The GDC's current guidance took effect on 1 November 2025.
- Direct access
- Since 2013, patients can see hygienists, therapists and, for those with no natural teeth or implants, clinical dental technicians without first seeing a dentist.
- Skill mix
- Sharing work across the team so each task is done by a suitably trained person, freeing dentists for complex care.
