Dental nurse

Janice Perry, dental nurse at Devonshire House Dental Care in Cambridge.

'I am very prepared for registration. I have had a look on the internet to see what I have got to do and it seems very straightforward. It doesn't look like too much hard work in terms of paperwork. I think that registration is a very good idea and it is great to see it finally coming in after many years of talking about it. It is better for the patients as they have more back up if anything does go wrong and it is down to the dental nurse. They can complain to the GDC and hopefully it will get sorted out. Even though dental nurses are professional, because you are not registered like a dentist, doctor or a general nurse you feel like a spare part. Hopefully registration will help make you feel more like you are part of something.'

Hygienist/therapist

Annette Briggs, hygienist and therapist at Thompson and Thomas Dental Practice in Sheffield.

I think it is particularly good for (dental) nurses that they are recognised, as they are just as professional as other members of the team

'I think it is a good thing and it is about time that everybody is recognised for who they are and what they do in the practice. I think it is particularly good for nurses that they are recognised, as they are just as professional as other members of the team. At our practice we are ready to go and have done all the preparation for it. As a hygienist and a therapist I am already registered with the GDC and I am used to completing my CPD regularly. It is a normal thing for us now and hopefully it will become the same for nurses as well.'

Practice manager

Annette Briggs

Chris Willis, practice manager at Usk Dental Practice in Monmouthshire.

'One of our nurses is already registered (on the voluntary register) and two of them are in training so we haven't had to do a lot towards registration. For new trainees and people just coming into dentistry I think it is a good idea, but for people that have been employed for years without having to be registered it seems a little pointless. I understand why they have brought it in though. It hasn't really impacted on our practice very much at all as the practice owner is very up on everything and keeps on top of what we have to do. It hasn't affected my job and what I have to do everyday.'

Technician

Ian Mackie, technician at PWS Direct Ltd in Bolton.

We have one nurse who... should be qualified in 2006 and three others who are taking part in their access to registration training

'We think it is a great idea and have been looking forward to it for years. We are prepared for it as all of our staff are either going to grandfather or are in training to get a recognised qualification. We haven't had to do a lot of work for registration as we have been building up to it for the last three or four years. We have been employing staff who are already qualified and making sure that those who are going to grandfather can do it legitimately and reach the GDC's criteria. We are sending people for the first time to university and have seven people at the moment out of a staff of 50 who are going to Manchester to do the course. I think generally registration will bring a more professional outlook to the industry.'

Receptionist

Melanie Beaumont

Melanie Beaumont is a receptionist at Kingswood Dental Practice in Hailsham, East Sussex.

'We have had a few worries about registration and don't feel that we have had enough information coming through. For example, one of the things we have been querying is what do you do about new employees. Can you actually employ people if they have no experience? We have only just found out that you can, but they won't be registered and they have to take part in some sort of training. We have one nurse at the practice who has just taken her exam and should be qualified in 2006 and three others who are taking part in their access to registration training (ART). For us to organise everything and make sure everyone is doing what they are supposed to be doing and know why they are doing it, has been a lot of work. We have done a lot of the administrative side of things and it is just a case of preparation. I do think that registration is a good idea though as it is very good for practice morale and everyone feels more part of the team.'

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