The Oral Health Practitioner is an autonomous role within the dental team, positioned above a Dental Nurse and below a Dental Hygienist, Therapist, or Dentist. Working under the direction or referral of a registered clinician, the practitioner delivers preventative oral health procedures directly in patients’ mouths, including taking plaque indices, applying fluoride varnish, taking clinical photographs and impressions, and supporting tooth brushing. They prepare and maintain clinical environments, follow infection prevention and control procedures, and handle biomaterials safely. Often working independently in the community settings such as schools, care homes, hospitals, and dental practices, they provide oral health education, preventative advice, behaviour change support, and general health screening activities such as blood pressure or diabetes checks.

Practitioners must already be a GDC-registered Dental Nurse or appropriate dental care professional and work within their professional scope of practice.