CQC inspection – the words that can drive a sense of dread into many a dental care professional. The prospect can bring worry and stress as you frantically try and ensure you are doing everything perfectly so that your practice passes with flying colours. But what does an inspection actually involve?

Dental nurses play an important role in ensuring the smooth functioning of dental practices. They provide vital support to dentists, assist in patient care, and contribute to the overall success of the practice. However, it is not uncommon for dental nurses to leave their positions, which can pose challenges for dental practices. But why do they leave?

While there are no specific regulations from official governing bodies such as the CQC  that explicitly prohibit dental nurses from wearing false eyelashes, it does state in the National Infection Prevention and Control Manual for England that eye or face protection should not be impeded by false eyelashes¹, so it ultimately comes down to the individual practice's policies and professional judgment.

I still remember my first years as a dental nurse. What stands out the most to me is the joy and enthusiasm I felt as I learned about the different treatments and set-ups, as I discovered the depths of infection control, and as I found ways to help put patients at ease and make them smile. Like a lot of fellow dental nurses, I was – and still am – proud of the position I found myself in, and I adored the job satisfaction that I gleaned from my everyday duties and the extent to which my own patient care could affect patients and make such a positive and lasting impact on their lives. Even now, I have patients who I haven’t seen in years come to me and ask how I am, catch up on my life, and wish me well because they remember me. They remember the influence I had, and they recognise the good that I did – and this makes me happy and proud of my role. 

Do not take CPD requirements lightly: read on to learn of one dental nurse's struggle. When she was unable to find one CPD certificate, she received warning letters from the GDC, and her appeal was eventually rejected.