If you are entering the profession in the NHS it is essential you understand the importance of DBS checks in dentistry.
There’s a lot you need to get your head around so to help you out we’ve put together everything you need to know regarding the checks.
Which roles need DBS checks in dentistry?
It is up to dental practices to make sure they carry out the appropriate DBS checks for any position where an enhanced or standard level check is required.
While this will almost certainly be required of dentists, dental nurses and technicians it may also include front of house staff including receptionists.
If you are applying to work as a dentist on the NHS England National Performers List you are required to provide an enhanced disclosure as part of the application.
This means if you want to work on the NHS as a dentist you don’t have a choice but to get checked.
However there is an exemption.
Vocational dental practitioners can be included on the list immediately but a satisfactory certificate must be submitted within two months.
What are the different types of checks available?
A standard DBS check contains both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings.
Enhanced DBS checks contain all that information but also includes any non-conviction information held by the local police which could be relevant to the post.
It is also worth knowing that employers are legally required to request checks against the barred list for posts defined as regulated activity – meaning they work in healthcare, personal care, social work, assistance with cash, assistance with the conduct of their own affairs or conveying services.
Is a DBS check needed if staff are changing jobs with the same organisation?
We often recommend that potential candidates should be screened for a new position, depending on the details.
In some cases, a new check is not needed when a member of the team is changing position – so long as they have previously been checked and their new responsibilities do not require a different level of check. However, it’s often best to be as thorough as possible.
Employers should make it clear to staff that they are obliged to disclose any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands and warning that are obtained after their employment.
DBS checks in dentistry: The final conclusion
If you are going to be a dentist in the NHS there really is no way around it – you are going to have a DBS check.
This is also going to be the case for dental nurses and technicians and most probably for front of house staff as well.
However, if you are moving between jobs in the same organisation that require the same level of check and you have already had one you do not need another.
