Flexibility and Freedom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Locum Dental Nurse
Locuming can be a great choice for Dental Nurses wanting a better work-life balance, giving you the ability to pick and choose when and where you work. But what exactly is involved in becoming a locum Dental Nurse in the UK and how can you find work?
Step 1: Register as Self-Employed
The first step towards becoming a locum Nurse is to register as being self-employed with HMRC, which is easier than you think and can be done via their website. As a self-employed worker, it then means you’ll have to complete a self-assessment tax return each year and pay National Insurance Contributions (NICs) and taxes on your earnings, meaning you’ll need to keep accurate records.
Step 2: Register with the GDC
In order to practise as a Dental Nurse in the UK, you must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), which involves paying an annual fee and fulfilling any continuing professional development (CPD) requirements to maintain your registration.
Step 3: Get Insurance, Enhanced DBS, Hepatitis B Vaccination
In order to protect yourself and your patients, as a Dental Nurse locum you’ll need to have your proof of your Hep B vaccination status as well as your own indemnity insurance, typically costing between £100 and £500 per year, depending on the level of cover and your experience. You’ll also need to apply for an Enhanced DBS Check.
Step 4: Join a Dental Nurse Recruitment Platform
Joining a specialist locum Dental Nurse platform like locumloop can be a great way of finding locum work. Once you’ve signed up, uploaded your paperwork, and set your preferred locations they’ll take care of everything else, automatically notifying you of jobs meeting your criteria and at some of the highest rates out there. Via their fully-automated system, you’ll have full control over booking jobs and can rest assured you’ll get paid on time. Hassle-free.
Step 5: Network and Build Relationships
As a locum Dental Nurse, you’ll need to build strong relationships with dental practices to secure further work. It can also therefore be useful to network with local dental practices and make connections, even attending industry events, so as to build your reputation as a reliable and competent Dental Nurse.
In short, switching to locum work can offer Dental Nurses a great deal of flexibility and control over their careers. Once you have all the necessary qualifications, registrations and paperwork, you’ll be ready to sign up to a great locum recruitment site like locumloop and take advantage of the many benefits locuming has to offer.