​The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) has responded to the policy briefing on NHS dentistry published in December 2023.

The authors of The Nuffield Trust document consulted with the British Dental Association, the General Dental Council, the Department for Health and Social Care, the Care Quality Commission and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. But the BADN says that it was not consulted. The association also pointed out that other associations representing dental care professionals (DCPs) appear not to have been consulted.

The document lists organisations that participated in a “roundtable event” where they were “invited to reflect on the problems facing NHS dentistry and potential solutions.” The BADN says it was not invited to attend.

The BADN also says it was not included in the “range of interviews (and follow-up discussions)” that “were held with stakeholders”.

Joan Hatchard, BADN honorary president, said, “The authors of the Nuffield briefing need to bear in mind that dental nurses are vital members of the dental team. Any attempts to solve the current – or any future – crisis in NHS dentistry must include input from dental nurses, as well as other bona fide DCP associations, and reflect the views of all members of the dental team to adequately reflect the current situation and provide workable solutions.”

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