Dental nurses practice as part of a dental team with other dental care professionals, assisting qualified dentists in treating and educating patients. This section gives further in formation on:
l The dental nurse role
l Becoming a dental nurse
l Training and qualifications for dental nurse
l Registration to be a dental nurse
The dental nurse role
In assisting dentists to care and treat patients’ oral health, dental nurses prepare and sterilize dental instruments needed by the dentist, mix materials used by dentist for procedures, such as fillings, and see to the wellbeing of patients. Dental nurses also assist the dentist in note-taking and patient record keeping. Some dental nurses also partake in dental office administration, such as appointments, invoicing and reception. The environments in which dental nurses work can vary from hospital to community service settings, private practices and in the military or army.
Becoming a dental nurse
Trainee dental nurses can be employed to work in dental practices or hospitals without a dental nurse qualification. For those interested in a career in dentistry, the trainee dental nurse may be an option as a starting point. Developing as a dental nurse in the UK does need further study to complete grade A-C GCSE’s as a minimum, but typically grade D-G. Equivalent qualifications may also be acceptable. Often a willingness to study combined with a positive, caring and reliable nature is valued by employers who are keen to encourage development of dental nurses.
Training and qualifications for dental nurse
Registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) required completion of a GDC approved course for dental nursing either through a certificate or diploma route, or through university study. Certificate and diploma courses available are the National Certificate awarded by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN), NVQ or VRQ level 3 in Dental Nursing or a QCF level 3 diploma in Dental Nursing.
Dental nurses usually need to complete two years of full-time surgery experience once they have passed the exam, and some hospitals offer this apprenticeship type training. Universities may offer a Certificate of Higher Education in Dental Nursing or Dental Nurse Practice. Others offer Diploma or Foundation Degree courses in Dental Nursing.
Registration to be a dental nurse
To progress beyond trainee dental nurse, dental nurses need to gain qualification in dental nursing and also register with the General Dental Council (GDC). The reason is because dental care professionals, that includes dental nurses, are regulated by the GDC to ensure best practice for patients.
Specialities for dental nurses
Some registered dental nurses later specialize to become dental hygienists, dental therapists, or orthodontic therapists.