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How to become a Dental Nurse

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Dental Nurse jobs

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Dental Nurse courses

Career progression and salary expectations for a Dental Nurse

Dental Nurse

| Up to £22,000

An Dental Nurse supports dentists during patient procedures, maintains patient records, sterilises instruments, and ensures a clean and safe working environment. This role provides essential hands-on experience in dental care and patient interaction.

Senior Dental Nurse

| Up to £30,000

A Senior Dental Nurse takes on additional responsibilities such as mentoring junior staff, managing inventory and supplies, and possibly specialising in areas like orthodontics or oral surgery. They also assist in more complex procedures and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Dental Practice Manager

| Up to £40,000

A Dental Practice Manager oversees the day-to-day operations of a dental practice, including staff management, financial administration, and ensuring excellent patient care standards. They coordinate between clinical and administrative teams to ensure smooth practice functioning.

The role of a Dental Nurse

What does a Dental Nurse do?

Is science your strongpoint? Are you always getting complimented on your smile? If yes, you might want to consider becoming a Dental Nurse.

Dental Nurses work with Dentists to assist them with all aspects of patient care, from carrying out check-ups to seeing patients through operations. You can work in a general practice, within a hospital or even in the armed forces, but your typical responsibilities will include:

Setting up and sterilising equipment in the surgery ready for each patient
Ensuring the Dentist has everything they need to hand during the course of the appointment
Reassuring patients
Recording information about each case
Using dental tools to remove saliva from each patient's mouth so the Dentist's job is unhindered

Is a career as a Dental Nurse right for me?

You might want to think again about becoming a Dental Nurse if you can't stand the sight of other people's mouths - and remember that you might see some pretty serious displays of poor oral hygiene too. A good Dental Nurse will be ready for anything and appear unflappable even in the face of a patient clearly not enjoying root canal surgery.

Dental Nurses should also be:

Calm and reassuring
Excellent at communicating with people of all ages
Good at working in a team
Highly organised
Interested in the science of oral health

What's it like to be a Dental Nurse?

"I knew I didn't want to go to university when I left school and was worried I'd end up in a boring office job. But then someone suggested training as a dental nurse - and I've never looked back. I get to meet lots of nice people and the job is never boring because every case is different. I'm also learning all the time - there's so much to discover. I'd recommend this career to anyone."

Get qualified as a Dental Nurse

To become a Dental Nurse in the UK, you'll typically need to complete a recognised dental nursing qualification, covering essential topics such as dental anatomy, infection control, radiography, and patient care. You'll also need to must register with the General Dental Council (GDC) to practice legally in the UK, which involves completing an accredited course and passing the required exams.

Recommended Dental nurse courses

Dental Nursing Job Ready Programme with Career Guidance

Academy for Health & Fitness

Flash Sale! Job Ready Skills | Lifetime Access to 3000+ Courses | CV Support | Free Certificates | Expert Mentorship
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- 3 months · Self-paced
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"Begin your career in Dental Nursing and earn up to £38,000 per year!" Looking to start a rewarding career in dental nursing? The Dental Nursing Job Ready Programme with Career Guidance is designed to provide you with the essential skills needed to succeed in the thriving he …
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Dental Nurse Diploma - CPD Certified

Apex Learning

Year-End Sale | 14 in 1 Exclusive Bundle| 140 CPD Points|Gifts: Hardcopy + PDF Certificate - Worth £180
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- Online
- 69 hours · Self-paced
- Certificate(s) included
- 140 CPD points
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***Limited Time Offer*** ★★★ Enrolment Gift: Get Hard Copy + PDF Certificates + Transcript + Student ID Card worth £180 - Enrol Now! ★★★ A smile remains the most inexpensive gift you can bestow on anyone, yet its powers can vanquish kingdoms. To help people preserve that smi …
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