The Society of British Dental Nurses is delighted by today’s announcement from the GDC, which outlines changes to the timelines for trainee dental nurses to begin formalised training with an approved training provider. From the 1st of June 2026, new trainee dental nurses will be required to enrol on a recognised training programme within 12 months of starting work.
What does this mean?
Trainees not yet on a formal training course must be enrolled on a programme and start their training by June 2027, or begin their training within two years of the date they started work, whichever deadline comes sooner. What matters most is the quality of the training and support during the time they are not on a programme. The Society believes that, for too long, non-registrants have been employed as dental nurses without a full or comprehensive supportive pathway into their education. Valuing the education and training of dental nurse students, as we do others in the profession, is essential. Dental nurses often feel unable to insist on being allowed to begin their formal training, and this, we hope, will now change and indeed negate those difficult conversations. We recognise, of course, that this is not true of every workplace, some truly engage in their learning.
According to the GDC, these changes mean trainee dental nurses will have earlier access to GDC-approved training, reducing the time spent working without formal training and enhancing patient safety. Interestingly, the GDC’s requirement for trainees to achieve their qualification within 12 months of its normal duration will be removed. This has been noted as ‘a matter for awarding bodies to determine.’ The Society, whilst welcoming this move, would like to state that the safety of the student is of equal importance, noting that a student who is capable of working safely is more likely to provide safer patient care.
To read the GDC notice, please follow the link: https://www.gdc-uk.org/news-blogs/news/detail/2026/02/12/trainee-dental-nurses-to-start-formal-training-sooner——under-new-gdc-requirements
Furthermore, we are delighted that the GDC has reminded the profession that only those dental nurses on the GDC register can use the title of ‘Dental Nurse’ (DN). This title is a legally protected title and should not be used by non-registrants or mislead anyone by inappropriate use. Neither should registrants confuse colleagues, allied professionals or the public by using titles other than dental nurse (DN).