Dental nurses and dental technicians in training
Much of a dental nurse’s or dental technician’s training is carried out on the job, so we regularly get calls and emails about what tasks someone in training can carry out before they’re registered with us.
How do you define ‘in training’?
Someone is ‘in training’ if they’re:
- Studying on a course that leads to registration with us;
- Undertaking work-based assessments as part of a course that leads to registration with us;
- Employed by a practice and enrolled on a training course but waiting for the course to start; or
- Employed and waiting for enrolment for a training programme to open.
I am a trainee, what are my responsibilities?
A named, supervising registrant must take responsibility for supervising you while you are in training. This means somebody you work with who is registered with the GDC. By undertaking this responsibility, the supervising registrant agrees to be accountable for your work and for ensuring you have had the appropriate practice induction, vaccinations and are enrolled on a GDC approved training programme.
Remember that a dentist is legally responsible for employing an unregistered nurse, technician or other DCP and could be the subject of fitness to practise proceedings in the event of something going wrong.
What must a practice induction cover?
In addition to details of the practice and procedures and what you will be expected to do, a proper induction must cover health and safety and confidentiality. You should also check that you have had any necessary immunisations.
Do I need to let the GDC know if I am in training?
You don’t need to let us know, but you should register as soon as you’ve qualified or completed your studies.
What does this mean day-to-day?
Before you do any work you must:
- Have an induction as described; and
- Understand the need to keep a log book of the training you receive.
You must not undertake exposure prone procedures (including cleaning instruments), until you’ve had appropriate vaccinations.
Do I have to have indemnity?
If you aren’t registered with us you don’t have to have indemnity, but your supervising registrant must, as they are responsible for your work. They should check their policy to make sure any staff in training are covered.
What if I fail my exam?
You can continue working while you are waiting to re-sit an exam; we will still consider you in training. You should keep a training log to show what you’re doing to improve your chances of passing.
What can I do if I can’t register or get onto a training course?
You should make sure you’re able to demonstrate that you’ve made every effort to get onto the next available course. Our advice would be that you request a letter from the course provider that states you’re going to be on the course. In the meantime, you should make sure that you have had a thorough practice induction.
Will this guidance change in future?
We are looking at what ‘in training’ means and will consider whether we need to give more guidance or set maximum in training periods.