Seeing a Dental Therapist Without Seeing a Dentist First: Direct Access
Direct access means you can see a dental therapist without seeing a dentist first. At Deepcar Dental Care, you can book a hygiene appointment directly with our dental therapist, online and without registering as a patient. Under GDC guidance, dental therapists can work without a dentist's referral within their scope of practice, except for tooth whitening, and treatment outside that scope needs a dentist.
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Clinically reviewed by Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, dentist · GDC 301711
Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information only. It does not replace an examination or treatment by a dentist.
Dr Ibraheem Ijaz, the practice's principal dentist, reviewed this page. He is a General Dental Practitioner registered with the General Dental Council, number 301711, and his qualifications are BDS, BSc (Hons), MSc (Leeds), PG Dip Implant Dentistry and PG Cert Restorative and Aesthetic Dentistry.
What does direct access mean?
Direct access means you can see some members of the dental team, including a dental therapist, without seeing a dentist first. The General Dental Council (GDC), which regulates UK dental professionals, removed the requirement for certain treatments to be carried out under a dentist's prescription on 1 May 2013.
This page follows the GDC's 'Direct access' guidance and its 'Guidance on Scope of Practice', both current from 1 November 2025.
What does GDC guidance allow dental therapists to do under direct access?
In general, GDC guidance says dental therapists can carry out their full scope of practice without a referral from a dentist, except tooth whitening. Each dental therapist may only do what they are trained, competent and indemnified or insured to do.
The GDC's examples of tasks dental therapists generally carry out after registration include:
- oral health education, promotion and screening
- clinical examinations, diagnosis and care planning within their scope and competence, with referral to other healthcare professionals if necessary
- managing periodontal disease and preventing tooth decay
- care and maintenance of dental implants
- fillings placed directly in the tooth (direct restorations) on baby teeth and adult teeth
- pulpotomies, extractions and pre-formed crowns on baby teeth
These are the GDC's examples for the profession as a whole, and our page on periodontal disease explains how it develops.
What still needs a dentist?
Some treatment is outside a dental therapist's scope and needs a dentist. The GDC's Scope of Practice guidance says dental therapists do not undertake indirect restorative treatment, procedures associated with the pulp in the adult dentition or orthodontic procedures. They do not extract adult teeth, and they do not make or fit bite raising appliances such as splints.
In plain terms, an indirect restoration is made outside the mouth and then fitted, and the pulp is the soft tissue inside a tooth. The GDC adds that only dentists can carry out the full range of dental treatments and prescribe the full range of prescription-only medicines.
GDC guidance names tooth whitening as an exception to direct access, because other UK law governs it. A dental therapist can only carry out tooth whitening with a prescription from a dentist and with a dentist on the premises supervising the first treatment. Whitening products containing or releasing between 0.1% and 6% hydrogen peroxide can only be made available to patients after a clinical examination.
When does GDC guidance say a dental therapist should refer to a dentist?
Under GDC guidance, a dental therapist should refer to a dentist on finding an area of concern, or when treatment is out of scope. The GDC's example is when an opinion is needed on whether an adult tooth needs treatment outside the dental therapist's scope.
In GDC guidance, the need for a referral should be explained to the patient and their consent obtained, and relevant clinical information, including copies of X-rays, should go with the referral.
Questions about this treatment? Book online or call the practice.
When should you speak to a dentist?
Direct access does not change NHS advice on dental check-ups, which are with a dentist. NHS guidance says your dentist should suggest when your next check-up is, from 3 months to 2 years apart (up to 1 year if you are under 18), depending on how healthy your teeth and gums are. Our page on what a dental check-up includes explains the examination.
Toothache is a reason to see a dentist. NHS guidance says to see a dentist if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days, does not go away when you take painkillers, comes with a high temperature, pain when you bite, red gums or a bad taste in your mouth, or comes with a swollen cheek or jaw. Go to A&E if you have toothache and the area around your eye or your neck is swollen, or swelling in your mouth or neck is making it difficult to breathe, swallow or speak.
Do not drive yourself: ask someone to drive you, or call 999 for an ambulance. If you do not have a dentist or cannot get an emergency appointment, call 111 or visit 111 online.
How do you find out about cost?
Prices at Deepcar Dental Care are set out on the practice's current fee list. If you have a question about cost before you book, you can call the practice on 0114 288 2121.
Frequently asked questions
Can a dental therapist take X-rays?
In general, yes, within their scope and competence. The GDC's Scope of Practice guidance lists prescribing, taking and interpreting radiographs (X-rays) among the tasks a dental therapist generally carries out. GDC guidance also says each dental therapist must only carry out tasks they are trained, competent and indemnified or insured to do.
Can a patient decline a referral to a dentist?
Yes. GDC guidance says any referral needs the patient's consent, and that if a patient declines a referral to a dentist, the possible consequences should be explained to them and a note of the discussion made in their records. Consent is also needed for all treatment.
Can a dental therapist give medicines without a prescription?
Some, yes. GDC guidance says dental therapists can legally supply and administer specific prescription-only medicines under exemptions, without a prescription, if they are trained, competent and indemnified or insured to do so. Otherwise, a prescription, such as a patient-specific direction, is needed for every prescription-only medicine.
Book a consultation.
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At Deepcar Dental Care, you can book directly with our dental therapist, without seeing a dentist first. A hygiene appointment can be booked without registering as a patient, and online through the booking portal.
Hygiene appointments at the practice last 30 to 60 minutes. The usual hygiene recall interval is 6 months with healthy gums, and 3 to 6 months after treated gum disease. Our dental hygiene page has more about hygiene appointments.
If you would also like to join the practice, our page on registering with us explains how. Our local hygiene page covers drive times and parking.
Deepcar Dental Care is at 334 Manchester Road, Deepcar, Sheffield, S36 2RH, with free parking directly outside. The practice is on the ground floor and is wheelchair accessible.
You can contact Deepcar Dental Care online or by phone. Our patient reviews show what patients say about the practice, and you can browse the hygiene and gum treatments section for related guides.
334 Manchester Road
Deepcar, Sheffield S36 2RH
0114 288 2121
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Opening hours
Open 8am to 8pm, seven days
Free parking at the door