Trainee dental nurses to start formal training sooner under new GDC requirements

From 1 June 2026, all new trainee dental nurses must start a recognised training programme within 12 months of starting work. 

The current two-year window to commence training will no longer apply, which will minimise the time individuals work with patients without formal training. 

We encourage trainees to enrol on a programme as soon as possible after starting work to ensure their training begins before the deadline.

The changes will better support the development of trainee dental nurses and support the drive for greater professionalism across dentistry.

Trainee dental nurses who are already in work when the new rules take effect, but have not yet started their training, will have the following transitional requirements:

• Start their training within two years of the date they began work, whichever is sooner.

Trainee dental nurses who started  or will start work between 1 June 2025 and 31 May 2026 must start training by 1 June 2027 even if their original two-year deadline would have been later.

The GDC’s requirement for trainees to achieve their qualification within 12 months of its normal duration will be removed, as this is a matter for awarding bodies to determine.

Ross Scales, Head of Upstream Regulation at the GDC, said:  

"Our new requirements mean all trainee dental nurses will access structured, GDC quality-assured programmes within months rather than years, ensuring they develop the professional skills and knowledge needed to provide safe care earlier in their careers. 

“By reducing the time trainees spend working with patients without formal training, we're supporting higher standards within the profession.”

We remind employers and trainees that the title 'dental nurse' is a legally protected one reserved for those who are registered with the GDC as a dental nurse.