Supply and administration of medicines by Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists under exemptions ( Exemptions training )

Amendments to the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (HMR 2012) (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1916/contents) came into effect from 26 June 2024. This allows suitably trained and supported DHT to supply and administer specific medicines without prescription from a dentist ( PSD ) or a patient group directives ( PGD).

This online course aims to discuss the mechanisms of exemptions as well as the responsibilities around supply and administration and the management of HMR 2012 exempt medicines listed below.

Please note refresher on the medications listed below is not included if you are completing exemptions only training. 

Medicines for administration only:

·      2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline

·      4% articaine hydrochloride with 1:100,000 adrenaline

·      4% articaine with 1:200,000 adrenaline

·      3% mepivacaine hydrochloride

·      3% prilocaine with 0.54 μg/mL felypressin

·      2.5%/2.5% lidocaine and prilocaine (periodontal gel)

·      sodium fluoride varnish, 50 mg/mL (2.26%) dental suspension (containing 22,600 ppm fluoride)

·      2% minocycline periodontal gel

·      15% lidocaine, 0.15% cetrimide oromucosal spray

Medicines for supply:

·      sodium fluoride 0.619% (2,800 ppm fluoride) dental paste

·      sodium fluoride 1.1% (5,000 ppm fluoride) dental paste

·      nystatin oral suspension

The full document published by the NHS England can be accessed here:

https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/supply-and-administration-of-medicines-by-dental-hygienists-and-dental-therapists/

Please note this course is only suitable for GDC registered dental hygienist and dental therapist who is currently practicing in the UK. 

Detailed qualifying criteria for dental hygienist and dental therapist registrants*

Course participants will need to confirm the following pre-course application requirements. They must:

·      be registered with the GDC as a dental hygienist and/or dental therapist

·      under a PSD or PGD, be competent in the use of the medicines specified in the HMR 2012 exemptions, as would be expected of a dental therapist or dental hygienist working at full scope of practice

·      be practising in an environment where there is an identified need for them to regularly use exemptions to supply and administer the specific medicines in legislation

·      be able to demonstrate that medicines and clinical governance arrangements are in place to support safe and effective use of exemptions

·      be able to demonstrate support from an employer or, if self-employed, to demonstrate an identified need for the use of exemptions and that all appropriate governance arrangements are in place

·      be able to demonstrate how they reflect on their own performance and take responsibility for their own CPD

·      in England and Wales, provide a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificate; in Northern Ireland, an Access NI check within the last 3 years; in Scotland, be a current member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme

* NHS England recommendation

About our speaker:

Dr Beth Pasfield BDS(Hons) University Of Liverpool 2019

·      General Dental Practitioner, in NHS and Private Dentistry

·      University of Essex clinical educator for the Foundation degree in oral health science

·      Trauma Triager

·      Senior Clinical Fellow for the Office of the Regional Chief Dental Officers- East of England

Beth graduated in 2019 with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery Degree from the University of Liverpool. She then went on to complete her foundation training at Oracle Dental Group, Colchester, Essex. Beth enjoyed the work at the practice and has stayed at Oracle Dental Group since qualifying as a General Dental Practitioner in both NHS and Private Dentistry. In 2019/2020 Beth worked as a Band 5 Vaccinator for the NHS to administer the COVID-19 vaccinations. In addition to this Beth obtained a qualification in 2020, from Avanti Academy in Harley Street, London in Botulinum Toxin Injections and Dermal Fillers which she practices in general practice today.  In 2021 to present, Beth engaged in the role of a Clinical Educator for the University of Essex, tutoring 10-20 students in Hygiene and Therapy.  In 2023 to present, Beth also works for the Trauma team in the East of England as a trauma triager to provide management of dental trauma injuries. Since 2022 Beth has been working with UK Dental to provide training courses in Local Anaesthetic, Rubber dam, temporary recementation crowns and temporary restorations for hygienists and therapists. In June 2024, Beth has embraced a new role as a Senior Clinical Fellow for the Office of the Regional Chief Dental Officers in the East of England and has been working closely with colleagues and the ICB’s to provide projects and pilot schemes for oral health improvements in dentistry. In Beth’s spare time she loves to spend time with her partner, family and cat Rupert. She also enjoys hobbies such as badminton, motorcycling and family holidays and days out.