The GDC has published the new Scope of Practice document, which will be introduced on the 1st November 2025. We are proud to have been involved in the development of this latest version and to have made some strong comments around the dental nursing aspect of the document. Far too much relies on the dental nurse having to be assertive and correct those who refer to them and prescribe to them. We requested a shift in focus, taking into account the power dynamics in professional relationships, and that the prescriber/referrer be reminded of their responsibility in prescribing and referring with due care.
The Society also made it clear that dental nurses do not need to be viewed differently and that, as a professional group, we should be given the information in the same way as the rest of the profession, reminding the working group that we are professionals and should be considered as such. Whilst others voiced a need to have lists displayed, we agreed with the majority of the Scope of Practice working party that the Scope of Practice document was not the place to do this. We also asked the GDC to make it very clear that this document does not allow for any expansion of skills, but has rewritten and modernised what already existed. We specifically requested that the language regarding any additional duties align with the GDC commentary across their documents and web pages, particularly in relation to the application of Fluoride Varnish and direct access for dental nurses.
For further reading, please visit the GDC website by clicking on the link
You can also read the full consultation report here https://www.gdc-uk.org/docs/default-source/consultations-and-responses/scope-of-practice-consultation-outcome-report-2025.pdf?sfvrsn=aedda9b0_2