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Dental nurse

Alternative titles for this job include

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

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£39,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

evenings / weekends on a rota

Meet Roshni

Roshni is a trainee dental nurse.

1 minute 30 second watch

View transcript

My name is Roshni Gurung and I'm a trainee dental nurse at Bupa Dental Care at Kingston, Eden Street.

So I did my degree in clinical neuroscience and I knew that my career had to be sort of in the healthcare sector.

But after I graduated, I kind of wanted my job to have a bit more sort of face-to-face connection with patients. And when I was searching for a job to meet that criteria, dental nursing was one of them. And I was pretty, you know curious to see what it had to offer.

I did my training through the government funded apprenticeship, and it's very good in a sense that it provides your theory aspect and also the practical aspect where you get on hands-on learning.

So you have 1 day for your training and studies. So it kind of just consists of attending webinars, finishing off your coursework. And the 4 days out of that week will be based inside surgery, working along the dentist.

When I have my practical days with the dentist, it really does affirm the knowledge that I learn in my webinars. So, it kind of goes hand in hand. It's a quite a good blended experience for learning.

My favourite thing working here has probably been the community. I think, in terms of with the patient as well, but in terms of also my colleagues. I've been really blessed with all my colleagues. They're so sweet and supportive here. So it's, it's a pleasure to come into work every day. So that is a very good thing.

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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

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

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

Registration

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

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:

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience, you can:

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £12,480 a year Annually
  • Location: CROOK

Apprentice Dental Nurse - Coundon

  • Wage: £12,480 a year Annually
  • Location: Coundon, Bishop Auckland
Find apprenticeships near you

Courses In England

Diploma in Dental Nursing

  • Provider: MIDDLESBROUGH COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Middlesbrough

Diploma for Dental Nursing Practitioners

  • Provider: ANDERSON STOCKLEY ACCREDITED TRAINING LTD
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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Dental therapist

Dental technician

Dental hygienist

Healthcare assistant

Dentist

Skills assessment

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