Dental Nurse
What is the work like?
As a dental nurse you would provide help and support to dentists and other dental care professionals during dental appointments.
Your duties would usually include:
- tidying and preparing the surgery
- sterilising instruments
- passing instruments to the dentist, therapist or hygienist
- removing water and saliva from the patient’s mouth during treatment
- preparing materials, for example, to make fillings
- making sure the patient is relaxed and comfortable at all times
- maintaining sterile conditions within the surgery, following health and safety guidelines
- helping the dentist record information about each patient
- carrying out stock control.
In general practice, your tasks may also involve working at the reception area (especially during busy periods), booking appointments, taking payments for treatment, greeting and reassuring patients.
With training and qualifications, you may be involved in monitoring patients' welfare when they are sedated.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You may not need any specific qualifications to start as a trainee dental nurse, however, some employers (and course providers) will prefer you to have four GCSEs (A-C) including English, maths and science. Your skills and general suitability for the work are also important.
Once you are in a trainee post, you can study part-time for a General Dental Council (GDC) approved qualification and professional registration (GDC registration has been compulsory for dental nurses since July 2008). Relevant courses include:
- NVQ Level 3 in Dental Nursing
- National Certificate in Dental Nursing awarded by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN)
- Certificate of Proficiency in Dental Nursing awarded by a recognised Dental Hospital.
An alternative way into dental nursing is to study full-time for a Certificate of Higher Education in Dental Nursing offered through the University of Portsmouth. This course combines theory with practical work. When you have successfully completed this course, you can practise as a dental nurse in any field of dentistry.
You can find links to course providers and awarding bodies on the GDC website.
You may also be able to get into this job through an Apprenticeship scheme. The range of Apprenticeships available in your area will depend on the local jobs market and the types of skills employers need from their workers. For more information on Apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk.
If you work in the community dental service, you may need a driving licence to travel between centres.
What further training and development can I do?
You will usually receive on-the-job training from your employer. If you are not already registered with the GDC, you will also begin working towards a GDC approved qualification, such as the NEBDN National Certificate or NVQ Level 3 in Dental Nursing.
Courses include practical and theoretical work and you will cover areas such as:
- dentistry techniques, like anaesthesia and sedation, restorative dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery and dental radiography
- control of infection, including sterilisation, prevention of cross infection and storage of drugs
- caring for patients, maintaining records and mixing materials for fillings.
For full details on all aspects of registration and acceptable qualifications, check the GDC website.
As a registered dental nurse you can increase your knowledge and skills, for example by studying for NEBDN post-qualification certificates. These are available in a number of specialist areas, including:
- Oral Health Education
- Dental Sedation Nursing
- Special Care Dental Nursing
- Orthodontic Nursing.
Where can I go for more information?
110 London StreetFleetwood
Lancashire
FY7 6EU
Tel: 01253 77841 Tel: 08000 150850
Bristol
BS99 3EY
Tel: 0845 606 0655
London
W1G 8DQ
Tel: 020 7887 3800
Hillhouse International Business Centre
Thornton-Cleveleys
FY5 4QD
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Dental nurses can start on around £14,800 a year.
- With experience this can rise to between £17,000 and £20,800.
- Team leaders and dental nurse specialists can earn up to £26,100.
- Managers can earn around £32,600.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would typically work 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may be expected to work outside of these hours, for example if your surgery opens during the evening to accommodate patients' needs. Part-time work is sometimes available.
You would wear a uniform and surgical gloves for protection. Safety glasses and a mask are also used to reduce the risk of cross-infection.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- a genuine interest in the welfare of your patients
- good practical skills
- good eyesight
- a calm, confident and reassuring manner
- the ability to relate well to people, including children and people with special needs
- good teamworking skills
- a positive and flexible approach to work
- good organisational skills.
What opportunities are there?
You could find work in general dental practice, in hospitals, with the community dental service, in industry, and with universities. You can also train as a dental nurse in the Armed Forces.
Experience as a dental nurse is a good preparation for work as a Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist – check the job profiles for details. You may also be able to progress into roles such as dental nurse team manager, team leader, or dental practice manager.
Jobs can be advertised in the local press, Jobcentre Plus, through websites like NHS Jobs and the British Association of Dental Nurses, and in the British Dental Nurses' Journal.
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