British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT)

Overview

The British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy (BSDHT) is the professional association representing dental hygienists and dental therapists in the United Kingdom. It serves as the membership organisation for these clinical dental professionals, providing a collective voice for the profession and establishing standards for practice, professional development and ethical conduct. The BSDHT is central to the professional identity of UK dental hygienists and therapists, playing a key role in advancing their status within the dental and wider healthcare sector.

Who Should Join?

The BSDHT is designed for dental hygienists and dental therapists working or training in the UK. This includes:

• Qualified dental hygienists — professionals registered with the General Dental Council (GDC) who provide patient care including scaling, root planing, patient education and preventive dentistry
• Qualified dental therapists — GDC-registered professionals who perform a broader scope of clinical work, including fillings, extractions and other treatments alongside preventive care
• Student dental hygienists and therapists — individuals undertaking recognised undergraduate or postgraduate qualifications in dental hygiene or therapy
• Dental hygiene and therapy educators — academic staff and tutors in universities and training institutions

Membership is open to those meeting professional registration requirements or, for students, those enrolled on accredited programmes of study. The association recognises the distinct but complementary roles these professionals play in modern dentistry, particularly in patient-centred preventive care and improved access to dental services.

Why Join?

Membership of the BSDHT offers professional recognition, peer community and practical support for a career in dental hygiene or therapy. For many UK practitioners, joining the BSDHT affirms professional standing within an increasingly regulated healthcare environment, providing connection with others in the same specialism and access to a body that actively represents the interests of the profession.

The association exists to support career development and progression, recognise professional achievement, and provide practitioners with resources and guidance on clinical, ethical and practice management issues. Membership creates opportunities to engage with professional standards, stay informed about regulatory changes, and contribute to the evolving scope and recognition of dental hygiene and therapy roles. For those seeking to advance their practice, develop leadership skills or influence the profession's future, the BSDHT provides a formal platform and professional network.

Member Benefits & Opportunities

BSDHT membership typically includes:

• Professional development and training — access to continuing professional development (CPD) programmes, educational resources, and opportunities to maintain and extend clinical and professional skills
• Professional guidance and support — advice on clinical practice, ethics, scope of practice, regulatory compliance and employment matters
• Networking and peer community — connection with other dental hygienists and therapists, local group activities and opportunities to share experience and best practice
• Publications and specialist knowledge — journals, newsletters, research updates and practice-focused resources to keep informed about developments in dental hygiene and therapy
• Events and conferences — access to the association's annual congress and other educational events bringing together members for learning and professional exchange
• Career support — resources and information on career development, employment opportunities and progression within the profession
• Advocacy and representation — a collective voice in professional and regulatory discussions, policy development and recognition within dentistry and healthcare
• Access to specialist information — guidance on scope of practice, delegation, clinical governance and other professional and regulatory matters

Members benefit from being part of an established professional community recognised within dental and healthcare sectors, strengthening their professional standing and creating opportunities for peer learning and mentoring.

Industry Role & Professional Standing

The BSDHT holds a central position within UK dentistry, serving as the recognised professional voice for dental hygienists and therapists. The association is actively engaged in professional standard-setting, ethical guidance, and representation of the profession's interests to regulators, healthcare policymakers and other dental organisations.

Through its membership and activities, the BSDHT contributes to the profession's development and recognition, advocates for expanded scope of practice and improved utilisation of dental hygiene and therapy skills, and promotes the professional standards expected of its members. The association works with the General Dental Council, NHS England, dental education institutions and other professional bodies to ensure that dental hygienists and therapists are recognised and positioned effectively within modern dental care systems.

For individual practitioners, membership signals alignment with professional standards and participation in a body committed to advancing the profession. For employers, educational institutions and healthcare providers, the BSDHT provides a point of reference for understanding the profession's standards, scope and professional identity.

Contact: Bragborough Hall Business Centre, Welton Road, Braunston, Daventry, NN11 7JG, UK

Website: https://www.bsdht.org.uk