Clarification on trainee dental nurses and registration

Formally, in order to practise in the UK, dental nurses need to be either in training or registered with the GDC.

Where there is a gap between the completion of training and registration, we do not consider that there is a risk to patient safety if the trainee continues to be appropriately supervised and continues to be described as a trainee while waiting for the registration process to be completed.

We expect trainee dental nurses in that situation to do all they can to achieve registration promptly, recognising that not all delays will be of their making.  We do monitor this and where there is an inappropriately long period between qualification and registration, we will take steps to ensure patients are safe.

Our Registration team will provide information to individuals to ensure their application can proceed without delay.