Introduction

Skills for Health has been commissioned by the NOS Governance Group to carry out a review of some of the Dental Nursing suite of National Occupational Standards (NOS).

National Occupational Standards (NOS) describe the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to do a particular job to a nationally recognised level of competence.

The purpose of this work is to ensure that NOS are available to describe the main additional skills carried out by registered Dental Nurses. This includes a review of SFHOH9 as well as the creation of new NOS as determined by sector representatives. This project is governed by a UK-wide Steering Group which provides sector specific advice and guidance on the content of the NOS.

SFHOH09 (Take a direct oral impression of an individual to produce an analogue or cast) has now been reviewed by the Steering Group, and a revised draft NOS has been created.

Three new draft NOS have also been created.

• SFHOH36 - Measure and record plaque indices
• SFHOH37 - Place a Dental Rubber Dam to Isolate the Operative Field
• SFHOH38 - Undertake the application of fluoride varnish

To ensure that all stakeholders have the opportunity to contribute feedback and input to the final versions of the above NOS, Skills for Health are now carrying out a public consultation.

This should take no longer than 30 - 40 minutes. Please help us by contributing to this consultation.

The deadline for the consultation is at midday on Friday, 12th December 2025. 

The links to the NOS are placed at the relevant sections throughout this survey. However, if you require a word version of these documents please email Competences@skillsforhealth.org.uk . 

Thank you for taking part.