Dental nurse

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

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

Entry requirements:

College

You could do a course at college that would give you the skills and knowledge to become a dental nurse.

Courses include a level 3 diploma in dental nursing and a T Level in Health.

The courses will usually be a mix of full-time study with work experience in a dental surgery.

Entry requirements:

• 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

Apprenticeship

You could do a dental nursing advanced apprenticeship. You'll need to be working in a dental surgery to do an apprenticeship.

Armed forces

You could also do a dental nursing advanced apprenticeship in the armed forces.

Entry requirements:

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

Work

You could start as a trainee at a dental practice. You could then study for a dental nurse qualification on the job. This is a common route to take to become a dental nurse.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Skills:

• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• knowledge of English language
• to enjoy working with other people
• active listening skills
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• the ability to read English
• knowledge of psychology
• thinking and reasoning skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• a desire to help people
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• the ability to learn through your work
• concentration skills

What you'll do:

Dental nurses support dentists in all areas of dental care.

In this role you could:

• sterilise instruments and pass them to the dentist
• prepare materials to make fillings
• remove water and saliva from the patient's mouth during treatment
• make sure the patient is comfortable
• tidy the surgery and keep records about each patient

Location : You could work at a dental practice, at a health centre or in an NHS or private hospital.
Uniform : You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.

Salary:

Starter : £23,000
Experienced : £31,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 40 hours a week

Working Pattern is evenings / weekends on a rota

Career Path:

With experience you could:

• move into a team leader, manager or dental practice manager position
• serve in the armed forces as a dental nurse
• become a dental hygienist  or dental therapist  with further training
• become an orthodontic therapist to help dentists improve the look and position of patient's teeth

You can find information in all areas of dental medicine  from Health Careers.