How to become a dental nurse
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
College
You could do a course at college that would give you skills and knowledge for this role.
Courses include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing
- T level for Dental Nursing
Courses will combine full-time study with work experience in a dental surgery.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
You can take an advanced apprenticeship in dental nursing.
You'll need to be working in a dental surgery to do an apprenticeship.
You could also do this role in the armed forces.
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
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Work
A common route is to start with a dental practice as a trainee and study for a dental nursing qualification on the job.
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Registration
- you'll need to register with the General Dental Council
Professional and industry bodies
You can join The British Association of Dental Nurses for professional development training.
Further information
You can get more details about dental nursing from Health Careers.