Are you looking for a career as a Dental Nurse?
Dental Nurses are a vital member of the dental team and have a varied role in practice. They play an active role in assisting dentists and other dental professionals with providing all aspects of patient care, preparing and sterilising instruments, and keeping the surgery clean and tidy. Dental Nurses also undertake general dental practice duties such as maintaining patient records and helping on reception if required.
Practice hours vary but most practices are open Monday to Friday, with possible weekends depending on the size and operation of the business.
Dental Nurses are required to hold an approved qualification and be registered with the General Dental Council in order to work in practice.
How do I train to be a Dental Nurse?
There are 3 different routes to qualification;
- learn ‘on the job’ by working as a trainee nurse in practice, earning a salary, and finding a training place with a course provider
- take a full time course with a provider who can arrange placements for you or,
- train through a dental teaching hospital (although places are limited)
The most popular entry route to qualification is by working as a trainee nurse in practice. You can either approach local practices directly to enquire if they are recruiting or contact a recruitment agency to see if they can assist with finding you a position. Please bear in mind most practices will require trainee nurses to have some degree of dental practice experience.
There is no formal qualification required to take the exam, however there is an expectation that you possess good English skills and communication skills. Your course provider will be able to advise on any entry-level qualifications required.
For more information on the routes to training, visit the NEBDN website.
For more details on the qualifications needed to become a Dental Nurse and the schools which offer programmes, visit the GDC website.
What skills do I need to be a dental nurse?
- Communication skills
- Empathy and a sympathetic nature
- Great organisational skills
- A genuine interest in working within a clinical setting and the dental industry.
Where can a career in Dental Nursing take me?
You could improve your skills and career opportunities by specialising in implant nursing, orthodontic nursing, sedation or radiography and making the progression to Senior Dental Nurse level.
As a Qualified Dental Nurse, you could undertake further training to become a Hygienist and/or Therapist, or you could look to move into a Team Leader or Practice Management role.
Useful links
The General Dental Council: https://www.gdc-uk.org/
The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses: https://www.nebdn.org/
The British Dental Association: https://www.bda.org
The British Association of Dental Nurses: http://badn.org.uk
The NHS Health Careers website: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/dental-team/roles-dental-team/dental-nurse
The government National Careers Service: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/job-profiles/dental-nurse
For more information on the recruitment services MBR Dental provide please call the team on 0121 222 5640 or email recruitment@mbrdental.co.uk.
Click here to browse our vacancies.