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An overview of the Human Medicines Regulations and use by oral healthcare professionals

BDJ Student volume 32, pages 118–120 (2025)Cite this article

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Utilising dental hygienist and dental therapists to their full scope of practice has proven beneficial for improving patients access to dental care.1 The main barriers to access have been overcome via the implementation of Direct Access.2 However, since dental hygienists and dental therapists cannot write a prescription, their access to commonly used prescription only medicines (POM) such as Duraphat varnish and local anaesthetics has been limited.

Schedule 17 of the Human Medicines Regulation has now been adapted, including dental hygienists and dental therapists in the regulated list of roles that can use, sell, and supply POMs.3 It is crucial that the individual ensures they have completed the relevant training and notified their employer and indemnity before practicing under Schedule 17.

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References

  1. Barnes E, Bullock A, Chestnutt I, Cowpe J, Moons K, Warren W. Dental therapists in general dental practice. A literature review and case-study analysis to determine what works, why, how and in what circumstances. Eur J Dent Educ 2019; 24:109-120.

  2. General Dental Council. Direct Access. 2019. Available from: https://www.gdc-uk.org/standards-guidance/standards-and-guidance/direct-access (accessed July 2025).

  3. Legislation.gov.uk. The Human Medicines Regulations 2012, Schedule 17. 2025. Available from: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2012/1916/schedule/17 (accessed July 2025).

  4. Gustaf Duhs. Life Sciences A to Z - H is for Human Medicines Regulation. 2023. Available from: https://www.stevens-bolton.com/site/insights/articles/life-sciences-a-to-z-h-is-for-human-medicines-regulations (accessed July 2025).

  5. Gov.uk. Medicines: reclassify your product. 2014 (updated 2025). Available from: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/medicines-reclassify-your-product (accessed July 2025).

  6. World Health Organisation. Medical Devices. c2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/health-topics/medical-devices (accessed July 2025).

  7. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE]. Patient group directions. MPG2. 2017. Available from: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/mpg2/resources/patient-group-directions-pdf-1779401941189 (accessed July 2025).

  8. Royal Pharmaceutical Society. Underpinning Knowledge - Legislation and Professional Issues, Labelling of dispensed medicinal products. 2024. Available from: (accessed July 2025).

  9. NHSPQA Committee. Repacking and over-labelling small batches of medicines. 2023. Available from: https://www.sps.nhs.uk/articles/repacking-and-over-labelling-small-batches-of-medicines/ (accessed July 2025).

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Acknowledgement

I would like to thank Emily Banks, Lecturer in Dental Hygiene and Therapy, for her assistance in producing this article.

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  1. Cardiff Dental School, Cardiff, United Kingdom

    Nia Condon

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  1. Nia Condon
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Correspondence to Nia Condon.

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Condon, N. An overview of the Human Medicines Regulations and use by oral healthcare professionals. BDJ Student 32, 118–120 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41406-025-1547-3

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