The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) cautiously welcomed the NHS England contract changes announced on 19 July.

The changes indicate support for more efficient use of the full range of skills of all members of the dental team, including dental nurses, and that steps will be taken to remove unnecessary restrictions on dental care professionals (DCPs). However, BADN warns that dental team members - particularly dental nurses, the lowest paid members of the dental team, many of whom are paid only minimum wage - must be adequately recompensed for an enhanced role, and that support for training has to be forthcoming.

President-elect Debra Worthington said: ‘BADN support this reform and look forward to working with the Office of the Chief Dental Officer in developing it further'.