Career Suggestion

Dental nurse

Dental nurses support dentists and hygienists in all areas of patient care.

Average salary (a year)

£25000.0 to £39000.0 (starter to experienced)

Typical hours (a week)

37.0 to 40.0

You could work

evenings / weekends on a rota

You can get into this job through:

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

College

You could do a college course that would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to apply for a trainee dental nurse job.

Courses include:

  • health and social care
  • applied science
  • T Level in Health

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
  • guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
  • search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do a Dental Nurse Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with an NHS trust or private dental practice.

This can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

More Information

  • equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
  • guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could start as a dental nurse assistant with a public or private dental practice. Your could then study for the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing while you work.

This is a common way to qualify as a dental nurse.

Armed forces

You could also train to become a dental nurse while serving in the armed forces:

More Information

Registrations

you'll need to register with the General Dental Council

Professional and Industry Bodies

You can join the The British Association of Dental Nurses for advice, support and professional development opportunities.

Further Information

You can learn more about a career in dental nursing from Health Careers.

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • customer service skills
  • knowledge of medicine and dentistry
  • sensitivity and understanding
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to work well with your hands
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

Day-to-day tasks

As a dental nurse, you could:

  • support the dental team during patient appointments
  • prepare dental instruments, materials and equipment
  • welcome patients and make sure they're comfortable
  • assist with screening and treatments, such as gum checks, cleaning and fillings
  • follow infection controls, like sterilising instruments
  • update and maintain patient records on a computer system
  • give advice on routine oral healthcare

Working environment

You could work at a dental practice, at a health centre or in an NHS or private hospital.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

With experience, you can:

You can find information on other careers in dental care from Health Careers.

Related careers

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