Dental nurse
Dental nurses support dentists and hygienists in all areas of patient care.
- Potential salary
- £25,000 starter to £39,000 experienced per year
- Typical hours
- 37 to 40. Working pattern: evenings / weekends on a rota.
- Career area
- Health and care
- Where they might work
- You could work at a dental practice, at a health centre or in an NHS or private hospital. You may need to wear protective clothing.
- A typical task
- support the dental team during patient appointments
- Subjects that may help
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
- Typical route
- No university route listed.
- Interest area used here
- Helping and teaching
What you might do
- support the dental team during patient appointments
- prepare dental instruments, materials and equipment
- welcome patients and make sure they're comfortable
- assist with screening and treatments, such as gum checks, cleaning and fillings
- follow infection controls, like sterilising instruments
- update and maintain patient records on a computer system
More tasks (1)
- give advice on routine oral healthcare
Could this suit me?
Consider which of these skills and ways of working appeal to you.
- the ability to work well with others
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- customer service skills
- knowledge of medicine and dentistry
- sensitivity and understanding
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
More skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
Routes into this career
University courses that could lead to this career
These are course families, not published offers. A link does not mean the degree is sufficient on its own.
- Dentistry
Related, but not enough on its own. Dental nursing is a separate role and does not require this degree.
Apprenticeship or vocational route
- You could do a college course that would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need to apply for a trainee dental nurse job.
- Courses include: health and social care; applied science; T Level in Health.
- You could apply to do a Dental Nurse Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, with an NHS trust or private dental practice.
- This can take up to 2 years to complete.
- You could start as a dental nurse assistant with a public or private dental practice. Your could then study for the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing while you work.
- This is a common way to qualify as a dental nurse.
Other routes
- You could also train to become a dental nurse while serving in the armed forces: Army; Royal Navy; Royal Air Force.
Career progression
- With experience, you can: become a senior dental nurse, team leader or practice manager; take further training to become a dental hygienist or dental therapist.
- You can find information on other careers in dental care from Health Careers.
Registration and requirements
you'll need to register with the General Dental Council
pass enhanced background checks
Subjects that may help
Subject guidance
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship