Dental nurse

A dental nurse supports the dentist in all aspects of patients’ dental care.

Working life

You may help with reception work and could help any member of the dental team - dentists, clinical dental technicians/technologists, hygienists and therapists – treat patients of all ages.

Kelvin Kamupira

Dental nurse
I think the biggest myth is that most people think it’s a female only profession which couldn’t be further from the truth. We have male dental nurses from all walks of life in my hospital and most patients like the diversity.

Some patients will be there for a check-up while others will have more complicated treatment. You’ll need to reassure people and put them at ease, while supporting the team in all aspects of patient care.

In a dental practice, you'll welcome patients and provide direct support with the treatment itself:

  • taking responsibility for the decontamination of instruments
  • maintaining dental operating equipment
  • ensuring that all relevant materials and supplies are in place
  • looking after patient records – including making notes when the dentist is examining a patient
  • working closely with the dentist, responding quickly to requests and generally keeping the surgery ready for use

You'll also be responsible for ensuring high standards of cleanliness and control of infection. 

Entry requirements

You can usually work as a trainee dental nurse without academic qualifications but to progress to being a qualified dental nurse, you'll need to study for a course in dental nursing, either part or full time, that is approved by the General Dental Council. Exact course requirements will vary from provider to provider, but a minimum 2 GCSEs (4/C grade or above) in English language and maths or a science subject are usually required for part-time courses.

Full-time degree level courses may require A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications. A level 3 apprenticeship in dental nursing is an additional way to gain the required qualifications in dental nursing. 

Must have skills

Tact and discretion are important qualities for a dental nurse - you will be handling confidential patient information and caring for people who may be anxious. You must be happy to work as part of a team and willing to learn and understand the science behind dentistry. You’ll be dealing with a broad range of people, each with their own characteristics and concerns so you’ll need to be tactful and friendly and able to offer advice and educate others. You will often need to follow instructions from the dentist.

You also need to be able to demonstrate the values of the NHS Constitution.

Career development 

With extra training you could take x-rays and clinical photographs, take impressions, make models of teeth and apply fluoride varnish to prevent tooth decay. With experience you could training to be a dental hygienistdental therapist or  orthodontic therapists. You can also acquire additional skills such as impression-taking and providing fluoride varnish as part of dental public health programmes.

Pay and benefits

Most dental nurses in the NHS work standard hours, which are likely to be around 37.5 a week. They may work some evenings. Your starting salary will usually be between band 3 and band 4 of the Agenda for Change pay rates but some senior dental nurses will start at band 5 or higher. 

Terms and conditions may vary for those dental nurses not directly employed by the NHS.

Returning to practice

If you are no longer registered with the General Dental Council but would like to apply for restoration to the register, you can find out more on the General Dental Council's website. 

  • Displaying 1 - 5 of 8 matches

    Dental Nursing

    University of Portsmouth

    View course Opens in a new window
    • Qualification
      Certificate of Higher Education - CertHE
      Study mode
      Full-time
      Duration of the course
      1 Year
      Leading to a career in
      Dental nursing
    • Contact details
      [email protected]
      023 9284 5566
    • Region
      South East
      Admissions address
      University House
      Winston Churchill Avenue
      Portsmouth
      PO1 2UP
      England

    Dental Nursing

    University of Northampton

    View course Opens in a new window
    • Qualification
      Foundation Degree in Science - FdSc
      Study mode
      Full-time
      Duration of the course
      2 Years
      Leading to a career in
      Dental nursing
    • Contact details
      [email protected]
      0300 303 2772
    • Region
      East Midlands
      Admissions address
      Waterside Campus
      University Drive
      Northampton
      NN1 5PH
      United Kingdom

    Dental Nurse Practice

    Teesside University, Middlesbrough

    View course Opens in a new window
    • Qualification
      Certificate of Higher Education - CertHE
      Study mode
      Full-time
      Duration of the course
      1 Year
      Leading to a career in
      Dental nursing
    • Contact details
      [email protected]
    • Region
      North East
      Admissions address
      Borough Road
      Middlesbrough
      TS1 3BX
      United Kingdom

    Advanced dental nursing - Level 4

    Bangor University

    View course Opens in a new window
    • Qualification
      CertHE
      Study mode
      Part-time
      Leading to a career in
      Dental nursing
    • Contact details
      [email protected]
    • Region
      Wales
      Admissions address
      All-Wales Faculty for Dental Care Professionals
      Y Wern,
      Normal Site,
      Holyhead Road,
      Bangor,
      Gwynedd,
      UK,
      LL57 2PZ

    Dental Nursing - courses offered across England, Wales and Northern Ireland

    City and Guilds

    View course Opens in a new window
    • Study mode
      Part-time
      Leading to a career in
      Dental nursing
    • Contact details
      [email protected]
      0192 4930 801
    • Region
      All UK
      Admissions address
      City & Guilds
      5-6 Giltspur Street
      London, UK
      EC1A 9DE
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