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.
Employer cover and its limits
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.
Why personal cover is commonly advised
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.
Cost, and why it is small
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 personal cover add?
It follows you rather than the employer, usually includes hearing representation, and continues across a change of job.