Find out how to enter the UK dental nursing field.
Care for patients undergoing a range of procedures is provided by dental nurses in collaboration with dentists. from common tests to sophisticated surgery. Additionally, you might work for the NHS as a Dental Nurse in a clinic or hospital. You could work either full- or part-time in private practice.
Here is how to become a dental nurse in the UK:
What Does a Dental Nurse Do?
Dental nurses collaborate with dentists to support them in all facets of patient care, from performing examinations to observing patients during procedures.
They can work in general practice, within a hospital, or even in the armed forces, but their typical responsibilities will include:
- Setting up and sterilizing 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
How to Become a Dental Nurse in the UK?
The necessary training must be completed if you want to become a licensed dental nurse. Dental nurses are registered with the General Dental Council (often referred to as the GDC). You must earn one of several vocational dental nurse diplomas in order to register with the GDC.
Required Qualifications
Dental nurses can choose between two career paths. You can either begin working as a trainee Dental Nurse right away or study at college with a clinical rotation in a dental office. Both options will provide you with the education and practical experience needed to become accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC), which is necessary to work as a dental nurse in the UK.
Many dental nurses start out in their professions as trainees without any formal training. You can receive on-the-job training as a dental nurse trainee and a starting salary while you pursue certification.
You can also study dental nursing at a college or university, which will grant you a certificate and allow you to register with the GDC. Registration with the GDC requires passing a test and having two years of surgical experience.
Eligible courses include:
- Foundation Degree in Dental Nursing
- Certificate of Higher Education in Dental Nursing
- National Diploma in Dental Nursing awarded by NEBDN
- Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing
You typically need English, Math, and Science GCSEs in grades A–C to begin one of these programs or to begin employment as a Trainee Dental Nurse.
Key Skills
- Excellent interpersonal abilities, particularly the ability to work with children and difficult patients
- Computer literacy
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Ability to work well in a team
- Outstanding communication abilities
- Organized with a rigorous work approach
- Self-assured and calm manner
- Multitasking ability
- Useful work experience
Most dental offices will demand that prospective Dental Nurses have 1-2 years of real-world experience. Starting out as a Trainee Dental Nurse and working toward certification while gaining experience is the simplest way to get this experience.
Hands-on training is included in full-time programs at NHS clinics or private dental offices.
You will benefit from having additional customer-facing experience, especially if you have worked in the nursing or caring industries (not necessarily in the dentistry industry).
What is a Typical Career Path for a Dental Nurse?
You have access to a lengthy and rewarding career path by choosing to become a dental nurse. There are a number of other dentistry-related fields besides dental nursing where you might be able to find employment. Some of these are detailed below:
Dental Receptionist
Many dental nurses also work as practice receptionists, but you might feel more comfortable working as a receptionist full-time. If you want to work as a dental receptionist, there are specific courses you can take.
This training will teach you the proper phone etiquette, how to handle complaints, and how to deal with inquiries.
Practice Managers
Some people choose to become practice managers after working as dental nurses for a number of years in order to advance their careers and make use of the experience they have gained.
Working as a practice manager entails a variety of duties, and the position can be very demanding with a strong emphasis on organization and deadlines.
In essence, the practice manager’s job is to ensure that the dental office runs smoothly for both the staff and the patients while adhering to stringent legal requirements.
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What Further Training is Available for Dental Nurses?
The fact that there are always ways to improve your knowledge and credentials is one of the best things about a career in dental nursing. You can pursue additional training to advance your qualifications in a particular field after you have earned your certification as a dental nurse.
Your practice will benefit if you obtain one or more of these additional certifications because you will be able to assume some duties typically performed by a dentist or hygienist.
Some of the available specialization courses include:
- Certificate in Dental Radiography
Dental nurses who are certified and registered may obtain the NEBDN Certificate in Dental Radiography. You can take radiographs of patients with the help of a dentist if you have a certificate in dental radiography.
- Certificate in Oral Health Education
You can provide patients with oral health advice and education with the help of the NEBDN Certificate in Oral Health Education.
- Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing
All qualified and registered dental nurses who regularly assist in orthodontic procedures are eligible to apply for the NEBDN Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing. You will gain a lot from having this certification if you work in an orthodontic office.
- Certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing
Those who assist in surgery while under conscious sedation and who are qualified and registered dental nurses are eligible for the NEBDN Certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing. You must work in a practice that regularly performs routine sedation in order to pass this course.
This is so that you can take the exam; you must submit a Record of Experience and log sheets. Anyone who wants to work in a hospital where sedation is frequently used will benefit from taking this course.
- Certificate in Special Care Nursing
The NEBDN Certificate in Special Care Dental Nursing is intended for those who regularly assist in treating patients whose medical or social needs necessitate the provision of special oral health care.
- Certificate in Dental Hygiene / Dental Therapy
A dental nurse’s resume may benefit from adding a certificate in dental therapy or dental hygiene. Your ability to perform hygiene procedures on your own while following a dentist’s orders will depend on whether you choose to become a hygienist or therapist.
Due to your ability to assume the duties of other team members, you will become more valuable to your practice and free up their time for other projects.
Conclusion: is It Right for Me?
This concludes the information on how to become a dental nurse in the UK. The salary of a dental nurse is ranging from £41,223 to £43,008.
In recent years, the dental industry has grown quickly. As a result of the increased respect that dental nurses now enjoy, more people feel motivated to pursue this line of work.
If you find it difficult to look into people’s mouths, you might want to reconsider becoming a dental nurse. Also, keep in mind that you might encounter some pretty severe examples of poor oral hygiene. When faced with a patient who is obviously not enjoying having a root canal, a good dental nurse will be prepared for anything and appear unflappable.