The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) cautiously welcomes the NHS contract changes announced on July 19, 2022.

The changes indicate support for more efficient use of the full range of skills of all members of the dental team, including dental nurses, and that steps will be taken to remove unnecessary restrictions on DCPs. However, the BADN warns that dental team members – particularly dental nurses, the lowest paid members of the dental team, many of whom are paid only minimum wage – must be adequately recompensed for an enhanced role, and that support for training has to be forthcoming.

“BADN support this reform and look forward to working with the Office of the Chief Dental Officer in developing it further” said president-elect Debra Worthington, “in particular in promoting the effective use of dental team skill mix to ultimately improve oral health outcomes. BADN wholeheartedly support the effective utilisation of dental nurses in the clinical environment, using skills achieved by further education leading to post-registration qualifications, thereby expanding the role of the dental nurse and ultimately improving the patient experience.”

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