Hiring and Sponsoring Dental nurses (SOC Code 6133)

Dental Nurses, classified under SOC Code 6133, are crucial support staff in dental practice who ensure the smooth operation of patient care. Their responsibilities encompass a variety of tasks aimed at maintaining a sterile and efficient environment. Key roles include:

• Preparing patients for examination and treatment procedures.
• Sterilizing dental instruments and adhering to strict guidelines for maintaining sterile conditions within the surgery.
• Handing necessary equipment and medications to the dentist during examinations.
• Assisting with minor treatments, such as preparing materials for fillings and other procedures.
• Removing water and saliva from the patient’s mouth during treatment to facilitate a clear working area for the dentist.
• Maintaining accurate records of patient treatment and processing/mounting x-ray films.
• Undertaking reception duties, including managing appointments and patient queries.

As the demand for dental services continues to rise in the UK, many dental practices are seeking to hire skilled dental nurses, enhancing their recruitment strategies to attract qualified talent. This guide will assist HR professionals in navigating the hiring and sponsorship process for dental nurses under the UK’s immigration system.

What is SOC Code 3411 for Dental nurses?

SOC Code 6133 refers to dental nurses who provide essential support to dental practitioners to ensure the effectiveness and safety of patient care. Their responsibilities can include:

• Preparing patients for examination: Ensuring patients are comfortable and ready for their dental procedures.
• Sterilizing instruments: Setting up and sterilizing dental tools to maintain a safe and hygienic environment.
• Assisting during examinations: Handing required equipment and medication to the dentist promptly during patient assessments.
• Supporting treatment procedures: Assisting with minor treatments, such as preparing materials for fillings or other dental interventions.
• Managing suction devices: Removing water and saliva from the patient's mouth during treatments to facilitate the dentist's work.
• Maintaining records: Updating and organizing patient records, processing, and mounting x-ray films.
• Reception duties: Handling reception tasks, which may include scheduling appointments and managing incoming calls.

Dental nurses play a crucial role in dental practices, ensuring smooth operations, enhancing patient care, and contributing to a positive patient experience.

Eligibility to Hire Dental nurses (SOC Code 3411)

1. Job Requirements

Dental nurses must possess certain skills and qualifications to effectively support dental procedures and maintain a safe, hygienic environment. These include:

• Preparation for Examination: Ability to prepare patients for dental examinations including seat positioning and reviewing medical histories.
• Sterilisation Skills: Expertise in preparing and sterilising dental instruments to meet strict health and safety standards.
• Assistive Role: Capability to hand required equipment and medications to dentists during procedures efficiently.
• Minor Treatment Assistance: Experience in assisting with minor treatments, such as preparing materials for fillings and other minor procedures.
• Patient Care: Skills in removing water and saliva from a patient’s mouth during treatment and monitoring patient comfort.
• Record Maintenance: Proficient in maintaining accurate patient records, processing, and mounting x-ray films.
• Reception Duties: Adept at undertaking reception responsibilities, including scheduling appointments and managing patient inquiries.

Ensure the job description aligns with SOC Code 6133 and that the dental nurse's experience aligns with the expectations for the role.

1. Salary Thresholds
2. Use the Minimum Salary Calculator to ensure your salary offer meets immigration requirements.

Sponsoring Dental nurses: A Step-by-Step Guide for HR Professionals

Once you’ve confirmed that the role and candidate meet the eligibility requirements, follow this step-by-step guide to sponsoring Dental nurses under SOC Code 6133.

Step 1: Obtain a Sponsor Licence

Before hiring non-UK Dental nurses, your company or institution must obtain a sponsor licence. This licence enables you to legally sponsor overseas Dental nurses under the Skilled Worker Visa program.

• Sponsor Licence Application: Submit documentation proving that your business is legitimate and has a genuine vacancy. Visit the sponsor licence application guide for more information. 
• Sponsor Licence Fees: Small businesses typically pay £574, while larger institutions pay £1,579. For more information, visit the sponsor licence fees guide. 
• Processing Time: Applications typically take up to 8 weeks, but using the Sponsor Licence Priority Service can reduce the processing time to 10 working days.

Once your sponsor licence is approved, you will receive a sponsor licence number, which allows you to assign Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS).

Step 2: Assign a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)

Once you have your sponsor licence, the next step is to assign a CoS to the Dental nurses. This document provides key details about the job and the individual being sponsored.

• Defined vs Undefined CoS: Use a Defined CoS for Dental nurses applying from outside the UK, and an Undefined CoS for those already in the UK. Learn more in the Defined & Undefined Certificates of Sponsorship guide. 
• Required Documents: Provide details such as the Dental nurses’s portfolio, passport and job offer. Refer to Documents Required for Certificate of Sponsorship for a full list of necessary documents.

Step 3: Apply for the Skilled Worker Visa

Once the CoS is issued, the Dental nurses can apply for the Skilled Worker Visa.

• Visa Fees: Fees vary depending on the role and visa length—use the visa fees calculator to estimate the costs. 
• Immigration Skills Charge: Employers are required to pay this charge as part of sponsoring non-UK workers. This is separate from visa fees.

Conducting a Right to Work Check for Dental nurses

Before the Dental nurses begins working, you must conduct a right to work check to ensure they are legally allowed to work in the UK.

• Manual Right to Work Check: Verify original documents such as the Dental nurses’s passport and visa. 
• Online Right to Work Check: If the Dental nurses holds an eVisa, you can use the UK government’s online system to verify their right-to-work status.

For more details on how to perform these checks, see the right to work check guide.

Post-Hiring Responsibilities and Compliance

1. Record-Keeping and Reporting  
2. • Record-Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of the Dental nurses’s employment details, salary and contact information. 
   • Reporting Changes: Report any significant changes to the Dental nurses’s role—such as promotions or salary increases—via the Sponsor Management System (SMS).
3. Sponsor Licence Duties and Compliance
4. Failure to comply with your sponsor licence duties can result in penalties or sponsor licence revocation, impacting your ability to sponsor future Dental nursess.

How Borderless Can Help with Sponsoring Dental nurses

Sponsoring Dental nurses under SOC Code 6133 can be a complex process, but Borderless can simplify it for you. We offer comprehensive support to help you manage the entire sponsorship process.

End-to-End Sponsorship Support

At Borderless, we assist with:

• Sponsor Licence Application: Guiding you through the application process and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly. 
• Certificate of Sponsorship Assignment: Streamlining the CoS process to make hiring easier. 
• Compliance Management: Helping you stay compliant with immigration laws to avoid penalties.

If you need assistance with hiring or sponsoring Dental nurses, get in touch for personalised support.

Conclusion

Hiring and sponsoring Dental nurses under SOC Code 6133 can be a rewarding way to enrich the cultural landscape of your organisation. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process while ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws.

For further guidance, Borderless is ready to assist you with all your sponsorship needs. Contact us for expert advice.