Professionalisation of Dental Hygienists and Therapists in Academia

Dental hygienists and dental therapists play an integral role in oral healthcare, yet the academic pathways leading to professionalisation in these fields remain underdeveloped compared to other dental professions. As the demand for advanced clinical practice, research and teaching continues to grow, it is crucial to support the academic development of these professionals, fostering their ability to become the next generation of researchers, scholars, and Professors.

This Community of Practice group plans to address the current lack of structured academic pathways for dental hygienists and dental therapists across Europe, enabling these professionals to advance in academia and research. By creating a supportive network, fostering research, and advocating for the integration of dental hygienists and therapists into higher academic structures, this initiative will contribute significantly to the professionalisation of the field, benefiting educators, students, and patients across Europe.

The aim of this Community of Practice is to support the professional development of dental hygienists and dental therapists through the creation of a robust academic pathway, facilitating the progression of early-career academics into research and teaching roles, with the goal of nurturing future professors in these fields. Proposed Objectives The objectives include to:

1. explore the current academic pathways for dental hygienists and dental therapists across Europe, identifying challenges and opportunities for expanding academic careers in this group
2. develop a framework for academic progression that supports career advancement.