Scope of Practice — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyBehavioural Sciences & EthicsScope of PracticeORE Part 1

According to current GDC Scope of Practice guidance, which procedure may a dental hygienist undertake under direct access, provided they are trained, competent and appropriately indemnified or insured?

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Correct answer: B — Subgingival scaling and root surface debridement

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · A = shown as B · D = shown as C · E = shown as D · B = shown as E

A is correct. Dental hygienists may manage periodontal disease within their scope of practice; this includes periodontal instrumentation such as subgingival scaling and root surface debridement, provided they are trained, competent and appropriately indemnified or insured. They may undertake their scope under direct access. Extraction is expressly outside a hygienist's role. Permanent direct restorations are also expressly excluded, and pulp extirpation is a pulp treatment rather than periodontal care. Hygienists can supply or administer only specified prescription-only medicines under the relevant legal exemptions when appropriately trained, or otherwise act under a valid prescribing direction; they do not have independent prescribing authority for antibiotics.

Reference: General Dental Council. Guidance on Scope of Practice, section 2.2 Dental hygienists (effective 1 November 2025). https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/information-standards-and-guidance/scope-of-practice/scope-of-practice-guidance-2025-%281%29.pdf