A Guide To DBS Checks For Dentists & Dental Workers
The dental profession is an important part of society. As well as private dentists, there are many NHS dentists in the UK.
Dentists and dental workers often work with children and vulnerable adults, and as such they will need to get criminal background checks to assess suitability.
In this brief guide, we’ll look at DBS Checks for dentists, including the level of check needed and how to apply for them online.
Which dentistry roles require DBS Checks?
Each dental practice and dental practitioner needs to decide which DBS Checks are appropriate for the different roles within the dental practice. Most dentistry roles will require a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check as they are responsible roles and often include safeguarding concerns.
The types of dentistry roles that need a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check are dentists, dental nurses, and dental technicians. In some cases, front-of-house employees such as receptionists may also need a DBS Check, but they may only require a Basic DBS Check.
New dentists that are applying to work for NHS England will need to submit an application for an Enhanced DBS Check. In other words, all NHS dentists are required to get an Enhanced DBS Check.
An Enhanced DBS Check reveals any spent or unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands that are on an individual’s criminal record.
There is an exemption from the rule that all NHS dentists need an Enhanced DBS Check before starting their role.
Vocational dental practitioners may be accepted as NHS dentists without one, but they will need to get an Enhanced DBS Certificate within two months of starting.
What is the difference between the different levels of DBS Check?
Basic DBS Checks reveal only unspent convictions and conditional cautions.
Standard DBS Checks reveal spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands.
Enhanced DBS Checks also reveal spent and unspent convictions, cautions, warnings, and reprimands, as well as any additional relevant information and notes that are held in local police records.
In certain cases, particularly regulated activities, employers and organisations such as the NHS need to also request a DBS barred list check, which involves searching through the DBS barred list to make sure that the individual is not banned from working with children or vulnerable adults due to the nature of past crimes.
A regulated activity is one that involves direct, unsupervised contact with children or vulnerable adults on a frequent basis (four or more types over a thirty day period).
Do dentists need a new DBS Check if they change jobs?
If a dentist moves from one practice to another, it is recommended that they get an up to date DBS Check.
However, if the dentist is moving from one role to another in the same practice, they may not need a new DBS Check and it depends on the policy of the dental practice.
Ideally, anyone applying to be a dentist or dental worker, or changing jobs from one practice to another, should submit an application for a DBS Check. They should also disclose any convictions, cautions, warnings, or reprimands that exist on their criminal record before submitting the application, to show that they are honest.
Summary of DBS Checks for dentists and dental workers
Anybody that works as a dentist for the NHS is required to get an Enhanced DBS Check in order to be accepted. They may also need a barred list check if the role is classed as a regulated activity.
If they are not working for the NHS, then DBS requirements will depend on the policy of the private dental practice. In general, most practices will ask for either a Standard or Enhanced DBS Check for dentists.
Dental workers other than dentists, such as technicians and hygienists may need a DBS Check too. Receptionists may not need a DBS Check or they may only be requested to get a Basic DBS Check.
If you want to find out more about DBS Checks for dentists and dental workers, or you have any other questions related to DBS Checks, feel free to contact us today for more information.
