Direct access to DCPs: what are the potential risks and benefits?

Area of Science:

• Dental Public Health
• Healthcare Policy
• Patient Safety

Background:

• The General Dental Council (GDC) removed the mandatory dentist referral requirement for dental care professional (DCP) treatment in March 2013.
• This policy change was controversial, prompting an examination of patient safety implications.
• The GDC commissioned a literature review in April 2012 to assess risks associated with direct access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the potential risks to patient safety arising from expanded direct access to dental care professionals.
• To determine if direct access increases risks through treatment or failure to identify and refer conditions outside a DCP's scope.
• To inform policy decisions regarding direct access in dentistry.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted by the GDC.
• The review synthesized existing research on direct access in dental and other healthcare settings.
• The focus was on identifying potential risks and safety concerns.

Main Results:

• The literature review assessed risks of patient harm from treatment by DCPs under direct access.
• It also considered the risk of delayed diagnosis or inappropriate management of conditions beyond DCP expertise.
• The findings informed the GDC's decision-making process regarding direct access policies.

Conclusions:

• Patient safety remains the GDC's primary concern regarding direct access.
• The literature review provided evidence to guide the GDC's approach to regulating direct access for DCPs.
• Understanding and mitigating risks are crucial for safe implementation of direct access models.