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Statutory Regulations for Dental Nurses
Since the 30th July 2008, the way in which dental nurses could be employed changed, every nurse now has to be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). If your qualification has been approved by the GDC, you will be able to register on the basis of that qualification.
Please find below a list of certificates / qualifications that are no longer recognised by the GDC:-
- National Certificate, awarded by the National Examining Board for Dental Surgery Assistants (NEBDA).
- Certificate in Proficiency in Dental Surgery Assisting.
- BTEC National Certificate in Science (Dental Surgery Assisting or Dental Nursing),Full SCOTVEC Certificate in Dental Surgery Assisting or Dental Nursing.
- Royal Navy – Part 111 DSA Training (Certified).
- Army – Class 2 Dental Clerk Assistant Trade Training.
- Royal Air Force – DSA Training and Trade Ability Test B.
- Dental Defence Agency – Basic Dental Nurse Training and Individual Development.
Qualifications/Certificates that are still recognised for registration by the GDC after the 30th July 2008:-
- National Certificate, awarded by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN)
- The City & Guilds Level 3 NVQ in Dental Nursing and the level 3 awarded in Dental Nursing (VRQ) (England & Wales).
- SVQ in Oral Healthcare Level 3, Scottish Qualifications Authority/NEBDN.
- Certificate of Proficiency in Dental Nursing awarded by a Dental Hospital recognised by the Association of Dental Hospitals.
- Certificate of Higher Education in Dental Nursing – 1 Year programme, awarded by the University of Portsmouth. Cardiff University, 2 year part-time programme.
Experienced but unqualified Dental Nurses will have two ways to register during the transitional arrangement. Dental nurses who can show they have four years experience (gained in the UK) in the eight years before registration, or the part time equivalent (1000 days) will be able to register. You can include the following in calculating the time you have worked provided that you have remained employed throughout this time:-
- Maternity Leave.
- Sickness Leave.
- Annual Leave.
- Days or Sessions on Continued Professional Development.
