Dental Nurse: Job Description

  
Dental Nurse – Job Description

Learn more about becoming a Dental Nurse in the UK.

Main Duties

A dental nurse supports the dentist in all of their duties. They will need to get instruments ready for them, prepare filling material and help the patient to feel happy and comfortable. They will update patient records, sterilize instruments and keep the surgery tidy.

During treatment they will be working beside the dentist responding immediately to their requests to prepare the patient for x-rays or other treatment, getting instruments and materials ready and doing anything else required of them.

A dental nurse may be expected to do some reception work, such as taking appointments, checking in patients, sorting paperwork, taking payments and meeting patients.

They may have to collect patients from the waiting room, when it is time for their appointment and show them the way to the dental surgery.

Dental nurses are employed in private and NHS practices as well as hospitals and by the army.
Working hours would normally be 8.30-5.30 Monday to Friday with possible Saturday and evening work where required.

A uniform would need to be worn, which would be chosen by the employer.

Expected Salary

Starting salary would normally be £18,000 to £21,000 but lower for those working in the army.

Pros

Great job satisfaction from seeing patients happy with treatment that they have received and knowing that the treatment is helping them to keep their mouth healthy.

Working closely with others as part of a team of people who are likely to be friendly as they need this approach for working with their patients.

Opportunity to move up and become a dental hygienist or therapist if required.

Cons

Have to deal with people who may not have good mouth hygiene and still remain polite and friendly.

Have to work well under pressure to make sure appointment times are kept to as well as possible.
Possible health effects of working with x-rays.

Qualifications Required

NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing or NVQ/VRQ/QCF level 3 in Dental Nursing or as a trainee dental nurse to be working towards this qualification.
Registration with the General Dental Council.

Required Skills
Friendly and positive approachGood customer facing skillsResponsible attitudeGood co-ordination and dexterity skillsAbility to work under pressureAble to support nervous patients and put them at easeHappy to work under instruction from the dentist and the rest of the dental team