DDU membership for nurses explained
The General Dental Council (GDC) has introduced compulsory registration for dental nurses, dental technicians, clinical dental technicians and orthodontic therapists.
Publication date: 1 May 2008
The requirement for registration comes into effect on 31 July 2008, when any dental nurse wishing to work in the UK will need to registered (or be enrolled in a course leading to a registrable qualification). From that date it will be illegal to work as a dental nurse if you are not registered or on a recognised training course.
The background
As GDC registrants, there is a professional requirement for dental nurses to ensure that they are indemnified for the work that they do. Some dental nurses employed by and working under the direction of a dentist may think it is enough to rely on their dentists’ professional indemnity arrangements, as their employer is vicariously liable for the acts and omissions of employees, but the DDU does not believe that this is wise.
The legal position with regard to vicarious liability in dental practice is unaltered, ie the employer remains liable for the acts and omissions of everyone he or she employs while in the course of their employment. This means that, in the event of a claim for compensation against a dental nurse, it is the employer who is likely to be exposed to the financial risk – legal costs and patient compensation.
All GDC registrants are required to make sure there are appropriate and adequate arrangements in place so that patients can claim any compensation to which they may be entitled. The only appropriate arrangements recognised by the GDC are:
- Dental defence organisation membership (eg The DDU)
- Professional indemnity insurance held by yourself or an employer
- NHS indemnity
DDU advice to dentists and their dental nurse/s
The role of the traditional dental nurse is changing and their contribution to the dental team is likely to have an increasing impact on patient care. As dental nurses take on more responsibilities, they face the risk of direct complaints or claims for negligence from patients. GDC registration also brings additional personal accountability and dental nurses will be subject to the same professional obligations as dentists and will need to be aware of, and adhere to, GDC policies and guidelines. Under the GDC’s guidance to all registered dental professionals, dental nurses who choose to rely on their employers’ indemnity arrangements will be responsible for checking and ensuring that appropriate arrangements are in place to provide indemnity against clinical negligence claims brought against them by patients.
DDU dentists can rest assured that they may seek assistance from us in the event of a claim for compensation against them arising out of a negligent act or omission by a dental nurse who is under their direction. The policy of insurance that members receive as a benefit of membership has specific provision for claims arising out of vicarious liability.
If a dental nurse carries out work independently, without the direct supervision of a dentist, or in the event of disciplinary action against the dental nurse, assistance is not available through their dentists’ DDU insurance arrangements. In addition, dental nurses relying on their employer’s indemnity do not have access to the DDU’s extensive range of support services and cannot receive assistance directly.
Member discount
Dental nurses can now benefit from a 50 per cent discount in the cost of membership if their employer is a DDU member. Any dental nurse who wishes to apply to join the DDU can do so by going to the DDU website or calling the DDU membership helpline on 0800 085 0614.
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