Top tips for newly qualified dental therapists and hygienists

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Posted by: Dental Design 7th March 2023

Fiona Sandom, Chair of the British Association of Dental Therapists (BADT), speaks about some of the challenges she faced when starting her career and her top tips for those entering the profession today:

“When I first qualified as a dental therapist, we weren’t allowed to work in practice so it was challenging to find a role where I could perform my full range of duties. Back then, a lot of places were looking for someone to perform dental hygienist responsibilities, and while these are within my remit, I still wanted to find a position where I could make use of all of the skills I trained to develop.

“I think this is a challenge that a lot of dental therapists still face today. Even though there is now no barrier to dental therapists working in a practice, I often hear how individuals are performing solely the hygiene part of their job role. This can leave people who have worked hard for their qualifications feeling underutilised when they could be doing much more.

“At the moment, another challenge facing newly qualified dental therapists and hygienists are the coming changes to the NHS dental services and the prospective contract reform that is going to be rolled out across England and Wales. There are lots of changes happening, and dental therapists, in particular, are being seen as one of the solutions. This is both exciting and a bit nerve-wracking, especially for those who have newly qualified.

“In response to these changes, the BADT is working closely with the NHSE and the Welsh Government to make sure that both dental therapists and hygienists are represented. The BADT is also ensuring that our members stay fully up to date with the situation, so that everyone, not only newly qualified professionals are ready for the changes ahead.

“Aside from this, one piece of advice I give all newly qualified dental therapists is to take some dental therapy foundation training. After graduating, going into practice isn’t straightforward, and there’s so much to learn, including fitting into practice teams, understanding the NHS rules and regulations and how to get fair remuneration. Foundation training helps you to understand these aspects of your new career. An added benefit of doing this is that these courses have a Training Programme Director. These are always experienced professionals who know the profession inside and out, and use this opportunity to impart their wisdom which is really invaluable! These courses also help you to connect with other individuals who are just starting out, giving you the opportunity to network, form friendships and more.”

Of course, the BADT also offers newly qualified professionals a host of benefits, many of which can significantly benefit dental therapists and hygienists who are just entering the profession. Fiona explains:

“The BADT is led by a council of professionals who work as dental therapists and hygienists, meaning that we truly understand what’s happening in the industry and how best to support those who need guidance. The BADT is a friendly, welcoming association full of individuals who truly want to make a difference. Plus, with so many changes on the horizon, the BADT really is the best place for dental therapists and hygienists to be if they want to stay abreast of important issues, and, most importantly, find individuals who share their passion.

“The BADT offers free membership in the first year post-qualification, with a 50% discount for those who are in their second year following graduation. Plus, with a wealth of advice, support and real understanding, the BADT helps every member feel included and have their voice heard.

“Ultimately, the BADT is an Association that goes above and beyond to support every member, at every step of their career. People can make use of exceptional educational resources and development opportunities, stay-up-to-date by visiting events and keep ahead of the curve in the profession.”

With changes on the horizon and a lot of excitement in dental therapy and hygiene, now is an excellent time to make use of available resources and find out how the BADT can help you.

To find out more about the BADT and the perks of getting membership, please contact the team today.