BADN welcomes key worker and vaccine statements

The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN), the professional association for dental nurses in the UK, has welcomed confirmation that dental teams, including dental nurses, are considered key workers, and will be given priority for COVID vaccinations.

BADN President Jacqui Elsden said:

Because government statements did not specifically include dental professionals in their list of key workers, many dental nurses have experienced problems in accessing childcare, leaving them unable to go to work – and many dental employers have been unsympathetic to their situation.

Clarification on the key worker status of dental professionals in the latest update from Sara Hurley:

dental professionals are defined by the Government as critical workers. The Government website says "This includes, but is not limited to, doctors, nurses, midwives, paramedics, social workers, care workers, and other frontline health and social care staff including volunteers". Front line health staff includes dental professionals and their teams.

is therefore most welcome and will help to alleviate the problems currently faced by dental nurses.

Equally, the news that Prime Minister Boris Johnson this week confirmed that dental professionals will be prioritised for the COVID vaccinations is greatly welcomed and will put many dental nurses’ minds at ease.

We are delighted to announce that alongside other health and care staff, dental professionals and their teams are now being prioritised for a COVID-19 vaccine.

This means that dental teams supporting the NHS, those working in private or mixed practices will all be entitled to a vaccine, this includes specialist practices and clinical dental technicians registered with the CQC.

Dental professionals who work for a NHS trust will fall within the vaccination programme co-ordinated through their trust. Locum clinical staff employed by the practice and non-clinical ancillary staff who may have social contact with patients but are not directly involved in patient care (e.g. receptionists and cleaners) are also included.

Information on the current situation is included on the COVID pages of our website www.badn.org.uk and updated whenever we receive new information.