Consultation launched on Scottish Vocational Qualification in Dental Nursing
Individuals and organisation can contribute via an online survey.
Skills for Health and Skills Development Scotland have launched a public consultation in support of a review of the Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) in Dental Nursing.
The SVQ review has arisen following the introduction of the new Safe Practitioner Framework, developed by the General Dental Council (GDC), which will take effect next year. The new framework sets out behaviours and outcomes for dental professional education, which the SVQ must now reflect.
In addition to being a standalone qualification, the SVQ in Dental Nursing is a mandatory component of the Modern Apprenticeship (MA) in Dental Nursing. To ensure that the SVQ and the MA can be reviewed synchronously, a steering group made up of subject matter experts has been working to ensure that the content of the new qualification is compliant with GDC requirements.
The consultation (launching today) represents an important stage of the review in which representations from stakeholders are being sought ahead of the qualification’s final approval by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
Caroline Taylor, Associate Postgraduate Dental Dean at NHS Education for Scotland and the Chair of the Apprenticeship Development Group which is revising the SVQ and MA for Dental Nursing, said: “The SVQ in Dental Nursing enables those working as trainee dental nurses to develop the knowledge and skills required to demonstrate competence in their job role.
“This SVQ is a recognised qualification which can be used towards registration with the GDC in addition to the Professional Development Award in Dental Nursing. The GDC has published the new ‘Safe Practitioner Framework’ which details behaviours and outcomes for dental professional education, and the clinical knowledge and skills specific to the scope of practice of each professional group.
“Therefore, to ensure that this dental nurse pre-registration qualification is fit for purpose for the future dental workforce and are reflective GDC Safe Practitioner Framework by August 2025, the SVQ in Dental Nursing has been reviewed and updated for consultation.”
The consultation is open until 14 February and Skills for Health is inviting individuals and organisations to contribute to the review via an online survey: www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/resources/scottish-vocational-qualification-in-dental-nursing