DBS Checks for Working in a Dental Surgery
Many different occupations require DBS checks, for example teachers, child-minders, prison officers, police officers, accountants and foster carers. Many medical professions also require a DBS check, and this applies to staff working in a dentists too.
Studying to Become a Dentist
If you want to become a dentist, then you will need to study for at least 5 years at university, followed by 1-2 years of supervised practice. You will need to get an undergraduate degree, post-graduate degree, and then do Continuous Professional Development (CPD) proving you have put in a set number of hours, and have attended development opportunities, such as conferences, and training etc.
Why do I Need a DBS Check to be a Dentist?
As a dentist you may be treating the patient on your own (unless it is a child there with their parent or guardian), you need to demonstrate that you can be trusted with vulnerable patients, and by the dentist practice. Dental patients need to feel assured that the dentist treating them is trustworthy, honest and can be relied upon to conduct themselves professionally. For a dental practice to employ you, they need to follow the law by requesting a DBS check on you, to ensure that you are safe to work with patients. The practice puts its reputation at stake with the staff it hires and does not want to be accused of not following the law in checking its employees are safe.
It will be an enhanced check that will check for spent convictions, warnings or cautions, and information held by the local police, and if the person appears on any barred lists which would mean the person is not able to work with children or vulnerable adults.
Do Other Members of Staff at a Dentist Require DBS Checks?
If you are intending to work as a dental nurse, dentist’s receptionist or administrative staff at a dental surgery, you will still need to have a DBS check, regardless of whether you are providing any medical service to patients. This is because you will still interact with patients, and should any incidents occur you want to prove that you have a clear DBS for any reports or investigations. As a dentist or dental nurse who is actually providing medical care to patients you would need an Enhanced DBS check, but if you are a receptionist or administrator, then a Standard DBS check would be sufficient. Any member of staff who requires a Standard or Enhanced DBS check would need the dental organisation to request the DBS check on your behalf, an individual cannot request these checks themselves. Once the organisation has requested this check, it is easy to complete this online, and you will be able to check the status of the DBS check too.
