The Society is pleased to acknowledge the rise in the number of dental nurses on the register in 2025, but again questions what has happened between July 2025 and August 2025, acknowledging natural attrition. It is pleasing to see a recorded increase of 3,293 dental nurses on the register as of August 2025 in comparison with August 2024. The big question, however, remains: how many dental nurses are enough to run a dental service well and safely?
If there are even 65,862 dental nurses on the GDC register, where are they, acknowledging that approximately 3,000 hold more than one registrable title and are unlikely to be working as a dental nurse as their primary source of work? Some years ago, it was reported that 1.5 dental nurses per dentist was an appropriate figure; now we need to consider the additional workload and include working for a dental hygienist or a dental therapist, as their workflow has changed and being supported by a dental nurse is as important. In reality, it has been noted in the international field that the ratio is more like 2.4 dental nurses per clinician, which is a more accurate representation. With 47,391 dentists, 8,485 dental therapists and 11,089 dental hygienists on the GDC register as of August 2025 (total of 66 965) and taking a view of 2.4 dental nurses per clinician, the data would have us believe that there should be 160,716 clinical dental nurses on the GDC register, as a broad brush figure – food for thought.
Global view 2021-2025 (not professional groups specific)
The figures for August 2024 can be seen below, followed by July 2024 – courtesy of the GDC 2025
August 2024
July 2024
Now look at the 2025 July and August figures, it is clear that
July 2025
The Society are happy to discuss this further, contact us at admin@bdns.org.uk