Indemnity is one of those topics that comes up early in a dental nursing career and somehow stays confusing for years. A lot of dental nurses assume they are covered by their practice and leave it at that. Sometimes that is true. Sometimes it is not. And if something goes wrong, it is you who has to face the GDC, not your employer.
This post covers what the GDC actually requires, the bits that often catch people out, and what you specifically need to check if you are carrying out extended duties like fluoride varnish application. For a full explanation of the GDC requirements around extended duties, read our post on GDC scope of practice for dental nurses.
Yes. It is a legal requirement for every GDC registrant to have appropriate indemnity or insurance in place before practising. This applies to dental nurses just as much as it does to dentists.
The GDC’s Standards for the Dental Team, Standard 1.8, states that you must have appropriate arrangements in place for patients to seek compensation if they have suffered harm. Practising without indemnity is a serious matter. The GDC will usually investigate allegations that a dental professional is practising without adequate cover, and it could put your registration at risk.
You are also required to declare that you have appropriate indemnity in place every year as part of your GDC registration renewal.
Yes. Many dental practices hold an indemnity policy that covers their employed dental nurses, and this is perfectly acceptable to the GDC as long as the level of cover is sufficient for your role.
However, the GDC is very clear on one thing. Your employer may have a policy which provides you with cover, but it is your responsibility to make sure you are covered for all the tasks that you do, the locations where you work and the hours you work. Do not assume that you are covered. Ask your employer for a copy of the policy and keep it for your records.
Verbal reassurance is not enough. You need written confirmation.
It is also worth knowing that some employer policies cover clinical negligence but not GDC fitness to practise investigations. These are two separate things. If you want support in the event of a fitness to practise investigation, check whether your cover includes this or whether you need additional cover.
This is the bit that catches a lot of dental nurses out, particularly those taking on extended duties for the first time.
The GDC is clear that you must regularly review your cover to ensure it applies across all the tasks that you do. If your scope of practice changes, for example you start applying fluoride varnish independently, you need to make sure your indemnity covers that before you start.
If you are on employer cover, ask your practice to confirm in writing that your extended duties are included. If they are not covered, you need to either ask the practice to extend their policy or arrange your own individual cover.
This is not optional. The GDC states that you must ensure you have the correct cover in place before you make changes to your practice. Carrying out an extended duty without appropriate indemnity puts you in breach of GDC standards and leaves you personally exposed if a complaint or claim arises.
The GDC recognises three main types of cover:
Personal cover – a policy in your own name, obtained from an indemnifier or insurance provider. Some professional associations offer cover as part of membership.
Employer-based cover – your employer’s policy covers you for work carried out within your agreed role. As above, you must confirm in writing what this does and does not include.
NHS or Crown indemnity – if you are directly employed by the NHS, you may be covered through a clinical negligence scheme. However, this only covers work done under the terms of your NHS employment. It does not cover private practice, and it does not cover GDC fitness to practise proceedings.
The GDC advises you to consider your own situation carefully and seek advice from your employer, professional association or an indemnity adviser to make sure the level of cover is right for you.
The GDC suggests asking yourself the following before arranging or reviewing your cover:
If you cannot answer these confidently, it is worth speaking to your employer or a professional association before your next clinical session.
Indemnity exists to protect patients first and foremost. If something goes wrong during treatment, patients have the right to seek compensation. Your indemnity is what makes that possible.
It also protects you. Without appropriate cover you could face GDC fitness to practise proceedings, and you would be personally liable for any compensation and legal costs.
It is one of the less exciting parts of being a dental nurse. But getting it right is one of the most important things you can do for your patients and your career.
If you are thinking about taking on fluoride varnish as an extended duty, our course covers indemnity requirements in full alongside GDC scope of practice, clinical technique and documentation. Find out more here.
Indemnity applies to every extended duty, not just fluoride varnish. Explore the full range of courses at Dental Nurse Training.
Dental Nurse Training offers a full range of GDC-recognised courses and qualifications, from the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing through to post-registration qualifications in fluoride varnish application, radiography, oral health education and beyond.
Check out our course options