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Dental Nurse

THE WORKING DAY

A dental nurse supports the dentist in all aspects of patients’ dental care. Some patients will be there for a check-up while others will have more complicated treatment. You will need to reassure people and put them at ease, while supporting the team in all aspects of patient care.

In a dental practice, you will welcome patients and provide direct support with the treatment itself:

  • taking responsibility for the decontamination of instruments
  • maintaining dental operating equipment
  • ensuring that all relevant materials and supplies are in place
  • looking after patient records – including making notes when the dentist is examining a patient
  • working closely with the dentist, responding quickly to requests and generally keeping the surgery ready for use

You will also be responsible for ensuring high standards of cleanliness and control of infection.

DOES THIS SOUND LIKE ME?

You will need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • customer service skills
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

WHAT'S NEXT?

You can usually work as a trainee dental nurse without academic qualifications but to progress to being a qualified dental nurse, you will need to study for a course in dental nursing, either part or full time, that is approved by the General Dental Council. Exact course requirements will vary from provider to provider, but a minimum 2 GCSEs (4/C grade or above) in English language and maths or a science subject are usually required for part-time courses.

Full-time degree level courses may require A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications. A level 3 apprenticeship in dental nursing is an additional way to gain the required qualifications in dental nursing.

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
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We'd love to hear from you. If you'd like to talk to us about apprenticeships and traineeships, email hyp-tr.apprentices@nhs.net

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