Dentist reference checks — CQC-compliant references for dental practice appointments

CQC requirements for dental practice reference checking

Dental practices providing regulated activities under CQC registration must comply with Regulation 19 for all employed staff. For employment references, this means written references covering three years of employment history, with explicit safeguarding suitability questions, disciplinary history, professional conduct assessment and documented candidate consent. The requirements apply to associate dentists, dental nurses, hygienists, therapists and administrative staff in patient-facing roles.

Associate dentist reference checking

Associate dentists present a specific reference checking challenge for dental practice owners. Associates typically work across multiple practices, may have gaps between positions, and are often appointed quickly to cover clinical capacity. The same Regulation 19 written reference requirements apply to associates as to employed dentists — but the short timescales and informal nature of many associate arrangements mean references are frequently missed or inadequate.

RefAssure enables dental practice managers to send professional reference requests to previous practices in minutes, with automated chasing handling follow-up. The resulting PDF provides CQC-inspection-ready documentation for every associate and staff appointment. From 99p per reference, no subscription.