Changes To Dental Nurse Training
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- Published: Wednesday, 01 March 2023 20:46
- Written by Guy Tuggle
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A key part of the access crisis has been a severe workforce shortage. It has not just been dentists from the EU that were helping to keep practices open, but dental nurses too.
Meanwhile the rising cost of living has seen dental nurses leaving the profession for better paid work, or accepting a similar wage in alternative occupations that come with reduced stress and responsibility.
News from The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) may offer a glimmer of hope to the many practices struggling to recruit dental nurses, and those looking to support their trainees. With a history that goes back to the 1930’s the NEBDN has seen many changes, and has been a registered charity since 2005. Older dentists may remember it as the organisation behind the silver belt buckles proudly worn by those that had passed its examinations. It remains the largest awarding organisation for dental nurses in the UK, accounting for around 23,000 of those registered.
In a major advance NEBDN have now achieved Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) recognition. They will be formally regulated as an Awarding Organisation by Ofqual. This has considerable potential, for example those with NEBDN qualifications can attain UCAS points, attract funding, and will now hold a qualification regulated by an internationally recognised organisation.
This is a major step on the way to NEBDN becoming an End-point Assessment Organisation which can then offer apprenticeships in dental nursing. As an alternative to the established National Diploma, Employers could potentially offer a fully funded training package, using government apprenticeship funding. This would remove the need for trainees to financially contribute to their course.
The development comes at a time when the number of dental nurses has actually fallen from 59555 in January 2022, to 59102 in January 2023. Increasing numbers of practices have sought to fill the gaps in their nursing teams with trainees, but they need to start a recognised course within 2 years, if they are to stay in the job.
Kate Kerslake, CEO at NEBDN, commented: “As we expand our services around the route to registration, we do not lose sight of our business objective, to continue to provide qualifications enhancing career development, expanding skill mix, and increasing the opportunities for Dental Nurses to play a wider role within the Dental Team, as we know there’s a shortage in this area.”
Apart from the National Diploma for trainee Dental Nurses, the organisation offers seven Post-Registration qualifications for dental care professionals who are GDC registered. These qualifications are in, Implant nursing, Radiography, Sedation, Fluoride Varnish, Oral Health, Orthodontics and Special Care.
Increased use of skill mix is now being promoted as a solution to the access crisis and has featured in contract changes, but it remains dependent upon there being enough registered nurses. NEBDNs news could bring some relief to both NHS England, and short staffed practices.
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