Dental nurse indemnity is a registration requirement rather than an option. Registered dental professionals must have appropriate arrangements in place to cover the cost of a claim arising from their practice, and the common question is whether the employer's cover is enough.
The requirement
Registrants must hold appropriate indemnity or insurance covering their scope of practice. The regulator does not prescribe a single product; what it prescribes is that arrangements are adequate and in place, and a registrant is responsible for satisfying themselves that they are.
Dental indemnity for dental nurses through the employer
Many dental nurses are covered by the practice's arrangements while working there. Those arrangements cover the practice's liability and may not extend to a registrant's own representation at a fitness to practise hearing, to work done elsewhere, or to the period after leaving that practice.
Professional indemnity insurance for dental nurses: personal cover
It follows the person rather than the employer, it usually includes representation at a hearing, and it continues across a change of job. For a small annual premium it removes the two gaps employer cover most often leaves, which is why professional associations recommend it.
How much is dental nurse indemnity?
Personal indemnity for a dental nurse is one of the least expensive professional covers in the United Kingdom, because the claims frequency is low and the sums involved are modest compared with clinical indemnity for dentists. Many professional associations include it in membership or offer it at a member rate, which is worth checking before buying separately.
Questions people ask about dental nurse indemnity
Is indemnity compulsory for dental nurses?
Registered dental professionals must have appropriate arrangements covering their practice. It is a condition of registration.
Is my employer's cover enough?
It covers the practice's liability and may not extend to your own representation at a hearing, to work elsewhere, or to the period after you leave.
What does dental nurse indemnity cover include?
Personal cover follows you rather than the employer, usually includes representation at a fitness to practise hearing, and continues across a change of job.
How do I get dental nurse indemnity insurance quotes?
Check first whether a professional association you belong to includes indemnity in membership or offers a member rate. Then compare quotes on whether hearing representation is included and whether the cover continues when you change job.