In our review of different careers we take a look at how to become a dental nurse and the role that a dental nurse plays in their day to day role in a dental surgery.
What Does a Dental Nurse Do?
A dental nurse works alongside a dentist in a surgery and supports the dentist in the tasks that need completing for the day.
As a dental nurse, you would be sterilising and setting up the equipment needed for each appointment and ensuring the dentist has everything they might need to hand. You would also be there to reassure the patient and assist the dentist with his treatments by doing things such as using tools to remove the saliva from a patient's mouth so that the dentist can do his job. You may also be required to record information about each appointment the dentist has.
You would usually work in a dentist surgery and the hours of work in this instance would usually be office hours. You can also work in a hospital, which may require longer or more anti-social hours.
Is Becoming a Dental Nurse Right For Me?
The following skills are needed if you wish to become a dental nurse:
- Have a calm and reassuring manner.
- Good organisational skills.
- Good communication skills.
- Great teamwork
- A genuine concern for the well-being of patients.
How Much Can a Dental Nurse Earn?
As a dental nurse, you would be likely to earn between £16,000 and £22,000 a year.
What Qualifications Do I Need To Become a Dental Nurse?
You don't necessarily need any qualifications to become a dental nurse, and you may find an employer who is willing to train you. You can, however, do a college course in dental nursing so that you are fully able to take on this role without the employer needing to offer training.
