Registered dental nurses are legally obliged to have suitable indemnity insurance in place before working in a clinic. This requirement ensures that any patient facing harm during treatment has the option to seek appropriate compensation.

Additionally, the General Dental Council (GDC) mandates dental nurses to confirm their existing or forthcoming indemnity insurance coverage when enrolling in the GDC Register and during annual renewal periods in June/July.

The revised guidance does not introduce new requirements for dental professionals. However, it clarifies the conditions related to maintaining indemnity cover. The updated guidance provides an overview of different available cover types and emphasises the additional advantages that dental professionals should take into account when considering their cover type. Advantages can include provisions for support and advice to enhance their wellbeing during a claim.

If your employer is covering you with an employee-based scheme, it is important to note the following GDC statement:

“Your employer may have a policy which provides you with cover, but it is your responsibility to make sure you are covered for all the tasks that you do, the locations where you work and the hours that you work. Make sure you ask your employer for a copy of the policy and keep it for your records. Do not assume that you are covered.” (GDC)

Finally, the guidance now presents a checklist and a set of questions to assist dental nurses in selecting appropriate indemnity insurance. These resources aim to simplify the decision-making process for dental nurses in determining the type and extent of cover necessary to safeguard themselves and their patients.

For more details, click here for the new GDC guidance.