The dental industry is growing rapidly, with oral hygiene becoming more important than ever. According to market research* the demand for fresher breath and whiter teeth is increasing. This is good news for those who want to be dental nurses.
It is not easy to become a dentist nurse overnight. You might be wondering, “What are the roles and responsibilities for a dental nurse?” What qualifications and skills do I require? How do I become a dentist nurse?
The dental nurse role
Dental nurses are a broad-based role that goes beyond assisting dentists with routine checkups.
The role of a dental nurse is important because it allows you to support dentists in all aspects of patient care. This could include tasks such as mixing materials, sterilizing equipment, and preparing instruments.
The role of a dental nurse can go beyond the practice. You may also be responsible for handling paperwork and making appointments.
What skills do a dentist nurse need to be able to perform their job?
You must be willing to learn and have an aptitude for dental nursing, as with all healthcare roles. You must also be interested in the science of dentistry.
Because of the variety of dental nursing roles, candidates must have a wide range of skills. These skills include the ability to work as a team, not get bogged down under pressure, great communication skills, the ability to multitask, and the confidence to work calmly and collected.
A number of personal characteristics are required to be a competent dental nurse. You must be able to listen, empathize, and give support. Many people fear visiting the dentist, and require constant encouragement. It is important to be able to communicate well with difficult patients and children.
You must also have the ability to manage the administrative aspects of your role as a dental nurse. You must be able to use computers and take detailed notes in order to help patients.
Keep in mind that your entire day will be spent on your feet, so you need to keep fit. You’ll also need to be organized, conscientious, and able to work in a tight space for extended periods of time.
What are the qualifications required to become a dentist nurse?
Although you don’t need an academic qualification to work as a trainee dentist nurse, it is important to take a course on dental nursing if you wish to advance. Part-time or full-time courses that are approved by the General Dental Council can be found.
A minimum of A-level or AS level study may be required for full-time courses. Part-time courses might require a minimum of three GCSEs. These usually range from A to C in English, maths, or science. You should always check with the course provider to verify any work experience or qualifications required.
You will need to be able to work as a trainee dentist nurse immediately if you want to get certified.
Dental nurse training
The General Dental Council (GDC) requires that dental nurses register. Only after you have completed a GDC approved course can you register. There are several training courses that you can choose from:
Foundation Degree in Dental Nursing
Certificate of Higher Education in Dentistry Nursing
The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses has awarded the National Diploma in Dental Nursing.
QCF Level 3 Diploma In Dental Nursing
NVQ Level 3 Dental Nursing
You can choose to become a dental nurse trainee by studying the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses’ (NEBDN), National Diploma in Dental Nursing, or the Diploma in Dental Nursing.
These courses can be taken part-time at certain dental hospitals, further education college and other training providers.
You can also choose to study full-time if you prefer the GDC-approved courses, which are available through many universities including the University of Northampton or the University of Portsmouth.
There is no right or wrong way to train as a dentist nurse. The way you train will be determined by your goals and financial limitations. These parameters will help you decide the best method for you.
Career development
After you have completed an approved qualification, you can register with the GDC. This is a governing body that regulates dentists as well as dental care professionals. Then you can start working in hospitals, private practices, or general practice.
After you have accumulated years of experience, you can begin to map out your career path. You will be able to move up in your career as a dentist nurse if you have more experience.
As a dentist, you have many options. This option offers many benefits, including flexibility in your work schedule, higher pay rates and the chance to learn new techniques in a variety of settings.
If you are looking to expand your knowledge in dental science, there are many options. These include dental therapist, orthodontic therapist, and dental hygienist (often referred to as dentists).