Exemptions Legislation – Going Live! 26th June 2024
Wednesday 26th June 2024 is the day that the new legislation comes into force, but hold off on the celebrations, because materially, NOTHING has changed. Due to the upcoming election, meetings and discussions about this have been paused. We are unable to progress this work at present until the next Government is established.
A statement was released on Monday and we have had some questions which suggest some confusion. The intention of this statement is to add further clarity.
The original statement is below:
From 26 June 2024, dental hygienists and dental therapists are legally able to supply and administer specified prescription only medicines without the need for a prescription (or patient specific direction or patient group direction). This applies across all 4 UK nations and regardless of your primary dental qualification, whether obtained in the UK or overseas, training in use of the mechanism must first be undertaken. This is a requirement for all GDC registered Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists.
While the change to the law means that you can administer specific medicines through exemptions from Human Medicines Regulations (HMR), this should only be done if you are trained, competent and indemnified to do so. You should not begin administering medicines via the exemption mechanism until you satisfy these requirements.
A curriculum for training has been developed by BSDHT and BADT and is owned jointly by both organisations. It is a requirement that prior to using this mechanism, you must access suitable education and training and it is advised that it follows this curriculum.
There is a course being developed for Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists currently by NHS England. BSDHT and BADT will inform members when we are made aware of its availability.
Education courses leading to registration as a Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist will be expected to change to deliver training that will equip new registrants to do this. The Scope of Practice framework enables this, but it will take providers some time to integrate the required areas of knowledge and skill into their programmes.
Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists should ensure that they have appropriate indemnity and/or insurance if should they administer medicines under exemptions.
Employers and colleagues should be aware that training is required before Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists can use this mechanism. Not all Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists will want to deliver medicines under exemptions.
Questions and Answers
I have just recently opened my own Dental Hygiene practice, do I have to attend any training courses prior to using LA/Fluoride in future?
Only if you want to use this new legislation. If you want to carry on using a PSD or PGD then nothing will change for you.
What training will be provided?
As per paragraph 4 in the statement, this programme is still in development and we will inform you of all the details when we have them and are permitted to do so.
Do I need a prescription from my employer to administer LA and administer fluoride after the 26th?
Yes, if you are working with a PSD. If you have a PGD, or you undertake the training in using the new legislation, then you will not need a prescription from your employer.
Where can I find information on accessing training for the new exemptions legislation that you are providing?
As per paragraph 4 of the statement, this will be shared with you when we have it and when we are permitted to do so.
Once the training has been completed will this be across NHS and private sector?
Yes, if you are a dental hygienist or dental therapist working across the 4 nations, this will apply to you whether you work in the NHS or private sector.
Who will be the additional training provider, where will these training courses take place, and how will this training be funded?
We do not currently have this information confirmed, so are unable to tell you. As soon as we have it, we will send it out to members.
Could you please clarify what training is actually required and what the training will cover.
As per paragraph 4, we do not currently have this information confirmed, so are unable to tell you. As soon as we have it, we will send it out to members.
Do I need training even if I have undertaken training during my University course or have been administering LA for years?
Yes, you need to undertake the training in the use of the mechanism itself, not the administration of LA