Is it possible to sponsor a Dental Hygienist / Therapist after 22 July?
07/07/2025
Will it still be possible to sponsor a Dental Hygienist / Therapist (SOC Code 3213) after 22 July on a Skilled Worker visa? The new legislation, which will come into effect on 22 July 2025 is crystal clear that it will no longer be possible to offer new sponsorship for dental hygienists, therapists or nurses. From this date only jobs considered to be at least RQF Level 6 will be eligible for sponsorship within the Skilled Worker route, and these roles are considered to be lower than this.
The relevant part of the Statement of Changes is page 119 - 121
After 22 July it will therefore no longer be possible for anyone outside the UK to move here in order to take up one of these roles. It will also be prohibited for those in the UK on other visas such as Graduate (PSW), Student or Dependant routes to obtain a Skilled Worker visa for these roles.
Sponsorship can still be offered for these roles only in the following situations:
- extend a current visa with the original sponsor
- switch to a new role with the original sponsor (eg dental nurses who now have GDC registration and wish to work as a therapist)
- switch to a new employer provided that the applicant holds a Skilled Worker visa which was granted on the basis of a Certificate of Sponsorship issued prior to 22 July 2025
The upcoming changes are drastic and will have a catastrophic effect on an industry which is already crippled by a lack of suitably qualified workers. We would urge all dental practice owners with influence to contact their local MP in order to lobby for change in this area.
