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Dental nurse and technicians: a year on
31st Jul 2009
It's the first anniversary of compulsory registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) for dental nurses and dental technicians in the UK.
For one year, dental patients have been able to step into the surgery in the knowledge that both professional groups had joined clinical dental technicians, dental therapists and dental hygienists in having to sign up to the GDC register of dental care professionals.
Today, there are almost 44,500 dental nurses on the GDC register and more than 7,500 dental technicians.
Compulsory registration means that all members of the dental team are signed up to the same high standards that are implemented and regulated by the GDC.
The change meant both groups have had to register with the GDC once they're qualified. They can only work unregistered whilst in training, during which they can only carry out tasks under supervision and that are within their competence.
Duncan Rudkin, chief executive of the GDC, said: 'Patients can rest assured that we're now regulating the entire dental team. Dental nurses and dental technicians – like all other registrants – are expected to always act in the best interests of patients. We're currently working on plans to introduce revalidation for the dental team over the next few years. By demonstrating that they remain up to the standard expected of them over the course of their working lives, dental professionals will be able to enhance the trust of patients.'
One year on, around 47,000 of those who joined the registers before 31 July last year are preparing to submit their first returns of their five year-cycle of continuing professional development (CPD).
Claire Harris, a dental nurse manager at the Centre for Social Policy and Community Development at Kings College London, said: 'Registration can only be a positive experience, opening new avenues to dental nurses with extended duties, such as fluoride application and new opportunities to further their careers. I believe it's generated a new respect for the profession which was lacking before.'
Simon Butler, honorary treasurer of the Dental Technologists Association and a dental technologist from Hampshire, said: 'Registration has made me feel more like a member of an official profession. It will also benefit the patients with better quality work throughout laboratories.'
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