As the clock counts down to compulsory registration in twelve months time, the GDC is urging all dental technicians and dental nurses to register now to avoid missing the deadline of 30 July 2008.

GDC registration licenses dental professionals to work in the UK. Dental nurses and technicians will be working illegally if they have not registered with the GDC by the deadline. After 30 July 2008, dentists will need to make sure they only employ and work with registered technicians and nurses.

Compulsory registration will improve protection for patients by ensuring that everyone who helps deliver dental care is properly trained and under a duty to maintain the high standards set by the GDC.

So far 6,797 dental care professionals (DCPs) from the four new groups have registered with the GDC, with the following numbers from each group:

• Dental nurses – 6,240
• Dental technicians – 525
• Clinical dental technicians – 32
• Orthodontic therapists – 0 (the first are still in training)

Until registration becomes compulsory dental nurses and technicians can apply for GDC registration on the basis of experience. But anyone registering after 30 July 2008 will need to hold a GDC-approved qualification. So for those who don’t have a qualification, it is crucial you don’t leave it too late to register. 
 
Edward Attenborough, Managing Director at Attenborough Dental in Nottingham has registered all his dental technicians. He said:

“Registration benefits dental technicians and other DCPs because it recognises an appropriate level of qualification and experience, and places the DCP within a professional regulated team. It’s clearly in the interests of technicians to register, so that both dentists and patients can have confidence that the technician making a restoration is appropriately trained and qualified.”

All the dental nurses at Cavendish House Dental Practice in London have also registered. Practice Manager Brenda Lefebvre said:

“We feel that with registration there is an opportunity that dental nursing will become more interesting with more professional responsibilities and duties. It will also show the dental world that we are truly professionals who have a commitment to our work.”

In response to feedback, the GDC will be launching new application forms to simplify and clarify the process for DCPs and their referees. There will be unique forms for the following groups: dental nurses; dental technicians and clinical dental technicians; orthodontic therapists; and dental hygienists and dental therapists. However, if you have one of the original application forms you can still use this. Remember, you don’t need to send original documentation of proof of identity and qualifications, you can send copies. Your character referee will need to sign to say they have seen the originals.

Hew Mathewson, GDC President, said:

“We know that there are many dental nurses and technicians out there who still need to register. Our advice is to register now rather than leaving it to the last minute If you put it off for too long, you could find yourself working illegally when it comes to next July. Applying for registration is simple: download one of the new application forms, and send the completed form back to us, with supporting documents, and the £72 registration fee.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that the registration fee will be reviewed and there is no guarantee it won’t go up, so act now to avoid the possibility of paying more.”

The new application forms and further information about DCP registration is available from this website. You can also request an application form by contacting our Registration Department on 020 7887 3800 or by email at GDCregistration@gdc-uk.org.

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For media enquiries, please contact Rachel Lea on 020 7009 2782.

Notes to editors:

1. Registration for dental nurses and technicians will become compulsory on 31 July 2008. Registration for two additional groups - clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists – is now compulsory. This is because these professions are being recognised for the first time in the UK. Professionals wishing to register within these groups will need to have undertaken a GDC-recognised training course.

2. DCPs who register now will not have to pay anything further until July 2009 when the first annual retention fee is due. That means they will enjoy two years of registration at the current price of £72.

3. Dental nurses and technicians enrolled on a GDC-approved training programme will be able to work as a trainee without being registered with the GDC until they have finished their studies.