Teamworking in Dentistry: The Importance for Dentists, Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists to Work Effectively Together—A Narrative Review

Abstract

Objectives
To consider teamworking in dentistry, focusing especially on the role of dental hygienists (DHs) and dental therapists (DTs) as part of the dental team.

Methods
A narrative review of studies that have investigated teamworking in periodontology and dentistry in general together with consideration of examples of relevant regulatory and governmental policy documents.

Results
The inclusion of DHs and DTs as key members of the dental team yields significant patient benefits in terms of access to care (particularly among under-served populations), efficient and effective treatment and improved healthcare outcomes for patients. However, barriers can exist to full implementation of effective working in dental teams, including both systemic and regulatory barriers, as well as attitudinal barriers. Furthermore, DHs and DTs are not always working to their full scope of practice, thereby limiting the care that these team members can provide. Mutual respect between dental team members, high-quality communication and a common ethos and shared clinical standards are all essential for effective teamworking. DHs and DTs have a clear role to play in achieving sustainable improvements in oral and dental health for patient populations globally.

Conclusion
Full and effective integration of DHs and DTs into healthcare teams will benefit not only the dental team, but also healthcare systems and patient populations, via more effective teamworking, improved access to care and enhanced treatment outcomes.