Q. Can DCPs take alginate impressions? As an orthodontist I would like to train nurses to do this.

The GDC has recently published additional guidance on the scope of practice for dental care professionals in their publication "Standards for Dental Professionals - Scope of Practice - Who Can Do What in the Dental Team". A copy of the publication can be downloaded here

The Scope of Practice guidance sets out the skills and abilities that a registrant in each area should have. It also describes supplementary skills that registrants might develop after registration to further the scope of their practice. Impressions to the prescription of a dentist, is included under the dental nurses additional skills on prescription.

You should only ask your dental nurse to carry out this type of treatment if you are confident that they have the "necessary skills". Furthermore, the dental nurse should only carry out a task if they feel they are confident that they have the "necessary skills". The training you provide should ensure an adequate level of competence. Keep detailed records of any training that is undertaken in order to demonstrate that competence should the need arise.

You can read more from Dental Protection on the implications of the GDC's guidance on Scope of Practice here