Dental surgeries are healthcare settings, which means DBS checks in dentistry are essential for safeguarding measures.
By ensuring that safe recruitment decisions are made and maintained throughout the business, DBS checks in dentistry ensure that patients receive safe, reliable and appropriate care.
But how can you determine which level of DBS checks each staff member needs? This blog will take you through some of the common job roles in dentistry and outline their DBS check requirements.
DBS Checks for dental staff: Who needs them?
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. Let’s take a look at some of the common roles within dental practices and if they require DBS checks.
Do dentists need DBS checks?
As key figures in the dentistry profession, and those who will provide healthcare to patients, dentists are required to have an enhanced DBS check with a check against both the children’s and the adults’ barred lists.
This is the highest level of DBS check available and will detail any unspent and spent convictions the applicant may have that are not protected in line with current guidance, as well as any cautions, warnings or reprimands they may have received. As well as including checks against the barred lists, this level of check includes the facility for the local police authorities to disclose any additional information they may hold about the applicant that is deemed relevant.
Do dental nurses need DBS checks?
As dental nurses will also be providing healthcare to patients, and thus engaging in regulated activity, they too will meet the DBS checking criteria, and require an enhanced DBS check with a check against the barred lists.
This level of check will help to meet safeguarding requirements and make sure there is a good level of pre-employment screening in dentistry recruitment.
Do dentist reception and admin staff need DBS checks?
DBS checks for dental staff aren’t just limited to dentists and dental nurses. There will likely be other staff members working in dentistry, such as non-clinical staff including reception or admin staff. In order to confirm which level of DBS check they would typically be eligible for, all aspects of their role should be considered.
By working in a dental practice, such staff members would typically be eligible for a standard DBS check as they will be coming into contact with patients in receipt of care as part of their role. This level of check will detail any unspent or spent convictions they may have received, that have not been protected in line with current guidance, as well as any cautions, warnings or reprimands they may have received.
Their eligibility for a higher level of check should however be considered if they will also be acting as a chaperone in their role, and either being solely responsible for supervising children, or helping vulnerable adults with personal care.
Which law introduced DBS checks in dental practice?
The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 set out fundamental standards for NHS providers to follow in regard to what checks are required during the recruitment process. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) also states that providers should have safe recruitment procedures and that dental practices must consider the level of DBS needed for each member of staff.
What are the different types of checks available for dental staff?
A standard DBS check contains both spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings.
Enhanced DBS checks contain all that information but also include any non-conviction information held by the local police that could be relevant to the post.
Get your DBS checks for dental staff with uCheck
DBS checks in dentistry play a key role in ensuring appropriate safeguarding and vetting in the recruitment process.
So what are the key points to remember when it comes to DBS checks in dentistry?
- Providing healthcare means the highest level of DBS check will be required. This often applies to dentists and dental nurses.
- Other staff members will typically be eligible for a standard DBS check, but consider all aspects of their role to ensure you are requesting the correct level.
- Ensure you have accurate and appropriate DBS checks in place to maintain safeguarding.
Be sure to get in touch with us if you have any further questions. You can apply for a number of DBS Checks through our simple online platform – most checks are completed within 48 hours!
