Can a Dental Hygienist do the NHS 6 Month Check up?

ScoobyZ

Hi my wifes just been for a 6 month check up and it was dont by a dental hygeinist.

There was a little scale around gums and they recommended a full clean. She asked about a scale and polish under the Band 1 charges, but he recommended a full clean and didn't do the scale and polish.

I called to ask why and the receptionist said the scale and polish is longer covered by the Examination Dental Charge and it would be £77 private.

I double checked and this was incorrect:

"Band 1: £25.80
Covers an examination, diagnosis and advice. If necessary, it also includes X-rays, a scale and polish (if clinically needed), and planning for further treatment."

I called back to challegnege this as it was clealy an upsale.

My question is can a hygeinist do the NHS Dental Checkup?  I can't find anything online saying that they can. I always thought it had to be a qualified Dentist.

swingaloo

I just asked my niece who is  a dental hygienist. 

 If the hygienist is fully qualified then they  are qualified to do full oral checks.

 There is a difference between a scale and polish and a scale and polish which is clinically needed. It only comes under Band 1 charges if it is classed as a clinically need. It is not an upsale as just for cleaning purposes it is not covered by Band 1.

ScoobyZ

swingaloo said:

I just asked my niece who is  a dental hygienist. 

 If the hygienist is fully qualified then they  are qualified to do full oral checks.

 There is a difference between a scale and polish and a scale and polish which is clinically needed. It only comes under Band 1 charges if it is classed as a clinically need. It is not an upsale as just for cleaning purposes it is not covered by Band 1.

Thanks for checking for me.

It does sound odd that they say there is a little bit of scale and don't do a scale and polish as an initial treatment. 

elsien

Stain removal is cosmetic and doesn’t count. Unless there is some impact on gum health, for example.
The last time the dentist recommended the hygienist for a scale and polish I asked why and if there was a clinical need why weren’t they doing it? 

I do think it helps, if everyone is being clear on what is being recommended and why. 

ScoobyZ

elsien said:

Stain removal is cosmetic and doesn’t count. Unless there is some impact on gum health, for example.
The last time the dentist recommended the hygienist for a scale and polish I asked why and if there was a clinical need why weren’t they doing it? 

I do think it helps, if everyone is being clear on what is being recommended and why. 

I never even mentioned anything about stain removal. 

I did say scale near gums.

Odd reply as you then go on to say “I do think it helps, if everyone is being clear” when you are confusing things.

You also go on about your experience of refusing a scale and polish, how is that relavent?

welshdent

a "scale and polish" was removed from the Welsh NHS regs during covid. If you have periodontal disease then its covered under a band 2 but Welsh Gov felt there was not enough health benefit in a simple scaling for it to be funded by the NHS

welshdent

also no, currently a hygienist can not do an NHS examination as they are not able to "open" a course of NHS treatment

brook2jack2

Scale and polish has also been removed from Scottish dental statement of renumeration. Again because it has no health benefit . Treatment of gum disease is still available. 

Tartar only forms because plaque has been undisturbed for at least 24 hours , so if you brush and clean inbetween your teeth effectively you will never need to have tartar remived by a scale and polish.