The previous guidance in this area was put in place during the transitional period for dental care professionals – meaning they could register with the GDC without having a formal qualification. This ran from 31 July 2006 to 30 August 2008.
Since then, what was meant by the term ‘in-training’ has been reviewed and new guidance has now been agreed.
Anyone employing trainee or student dental nurses or dental technicians should make themselves familiar with it.
The guidance contains a number of key points, including what defines a student/trainee dental nurse or dental technician:
They are either:
1. Employed and enrolled or waiting to start on a recognised programme that will lead to GDC registration
2. Studying on a recognised programme that leads directly to GDC registration.
The full guidance document can be found on the GDC website – www.gdc-uk.org/dentalprofessionals/education/pages/dcpsintraining.aspx