Their main duties and responsibilities include:
- Providing oral health education to patients
- Using a variety of dental instruments to scale, polish and clean teeth
- Removing plaque and applying treatments to remove or reduce decay
- Ensuring that dental tools and instruments are sterilised appropriately
Full Answer
What is the job of a dental nurse?
Why is it important to be a dental nurse?
What is an orthodontic nurse?
What is a dental radiography certificate?
What is dental nursing?
What is a certificate in special care dental nursing?
Do dental nurses need to be trained in sedation?
See 4 more
About this website
What are the roles and responsibilities of a dental nurse?
Roles and ResponsibilitiesPreparing fillings and other materials.Providing support and reassurance to the patient.Sterilising instruments.Processing and filing x-rays.Tidying and cleaning the dental surgery.Recording and filing information about patients.Advising patients on oral hygiene.Carrying out stock control.
What is the role of a dental nurse in UK?
Preparing dental fillings and other surgery materials. Assisting the dentist and other dental staffs. Comforting the dental patients (kids, adults, elders) and calming them. Sterilising instruments.
What qualities does a dental nurse need?
To become a Dental Nurse, you'll need:a confident, friendly, outgoing personality.the ability to calm and reassure anxious patients.good hand skills and attention to detail.organisational skills.the ability to act quickly and calmly under pressure.teamwork skills to work as part of the dental team.More items...
What's the difference between a dentist and a dental nurse?
A dental nurse is a dental care practitioner that is not a fully qualified dentist, but assists a practice's dentists to provide top-quality care to their patients. One of the main roles of a dental nurse is to ensure absolute and total cleanliness in the dental surgery.
What does a dental nurse do on a day to day basis?
While setting up we also collect dentures, crowns and any other lab work ready for the day and we also check the list of patients and treatment planned for the day. To finish setting up we get the dentists, patients and our own person protective equipment out ready for use – safety first!
Is it hard to be a dental nurse?
Technically, dental nursing isn't difficult. Really, it isn't! It's a relatively easy job to do in comparison to, say, being an accountant or an IT engineer. The difficult part is that the surgery can get quite busy on a daily basis, and you are constantly on your feet.
What are 10 duties of a dental assistant?
Dental Assistant Administrative TasksAnswering phones and scheduling appointments.Updating and maintaining patient dental records.Overseeing patient check-in procedures.Coding and preparing insurance forms.Scheduling referral and testing appointments.General office administration.
How long does it take to train as a dental nurse?
12 months to 24 monthsDepending on your preferred route, dental nurse training can take anywhere from 12 months to 24 months. However, the course offered at Dental Arch only takes one year to complete, making it one of the more accelerated options.
What is a dental nurse salary UK?
A trainee dental nurse will usually earn at least £17,000, and will often train for further qualifications on the job. According to the government's National Career Service website, the average starting salary for dental nursing jobs is £19,737. This rises up to £30,615 with experience.
Can you go from a dental nurse to a dentist?
Some Dental Nurses decide to take the next step up and train to become a Dentist. However, this isn't so much a transition from dental nursing as it is starting from scratch as a dentistry degree is 5 years long.
What band is a dental nurse?
A dental nurse at entry level would typically start on band 3, rising to band 5 for a dental nurse specialist.
How much does a dental nurse earn UK?
A trainee dental nurse will usually earn at least £17,000, and will often train for further qualifications on the job. According to the government's National Career Service website, the average starting salary for dental nursing jobs is £19,737. This rises up to £30,615 with experience.
What band is a dental nurse?
A dental nurse at entry level would typically start on band 3, rising to band 5 for a dental nurse specialist.
Can I work as a dental nurse without GDC registration?
Do I need to let the GDC know if someone I employ is in training? No you are not required to let the GDC know as we do not register trainee dental nurses or dental technicians.
Can a dental nurse become a dental hygienist?
In fact, it is not uncommon for dental nurses to move from dental nursing into dental hygiene or dental therapy to explore a new avenue of their career, with many opting to make the change once they've gained the necessary experience.
Dental Nurse Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities
Dental nurses are healthcare workers whose major role is to assist dentists in carrying out different kinds of oral-care procedures. Their job description entails preparing instruments to be used during treatment procedures, recording medical information, and ensuring that patients are comfortable.
A dental nurse's role in safeguarding - DentalNursing
The following article is restricted for Dental Nursing subscribers only. Please sign in to access the full article. If you have any queries or require more information, Dental Nursing’s friendly customer services team is on hand to help.
What is a dental nurse?
A dental nurse supports the dentist in all aspects of patients’ dental care.
What are the qualities of a dental nurse?
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.
What is the job of a dental surgeon?
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.
How to become a dental nurse?
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.
What is a level 3 apprenticeship in dental nursing?
A level 3 apprenticeship in dental nursing is an additional way to gain the required qualifications in dental nursing.
What does a dental nurse do?
Dental nurses work alongside dentists to complete oral exams and surgeries. For more information about careers, education and certification, read this article.
What do dental assistants do?
As a dental assistant, your duties could include adjusting lighting, administering numbing anesthetic to patients' gums, and operating a suction hose to clear away saliva. You also might counsel patients on general oral care or give them post-operation instructions. At times, you might perform common office duties, such as answering phones, arranging appointments, and taking payments. Other duties might include recording patients' medical histories and making sure they're comfortable during their time in the dentist's chair, as well as preparing and cleaning examination or operating rooms, stocking equipment, and sterilizing instruments.
How many dental assistant jobs will there be in 2029?
The Bureau anticipated an increase of 7%, which translates to the addition of about 23,400 new jobs. This growth was attributed, in part, to an expected rise in demand for preventive dental care based on evidence of a link between oral and general health. According to the BLS, the average salary for dental assistants was $41,170 as of May 2019.
What is the role of a dental nurse?
When a dental nurse is the second appropriate person in the surgery assisting with patients who are receiving any form of conscious sedation their role will encompass a wide range of task s. They will utilise many skills which have been acquired during the early stages of their basic training.
What is the best way to become a dental nurse?
Best practice and the usual pathway for a dental nurse is to take a course that leads to the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses qualification in dental sedation nursing. However, there are many very good short-term courses available through various training providers that do not lead to qualifications.
What is the role of the second appropriate person in a patient's treatment?
Role of the second appropriate person while a patient is receiving treatment. Before the patient’s treatment can commence they have to be prepared for cannulation. A simple explanation is given, advising them that its use is mandatory in order that the drug being used to sedate them can be administered.
What does a clinician do in an emergency?
They will respond and assist the clinician in the event of an emergency. They will assist with the recovery of the patient. Some clinicians may decide to place this responsibility upon the second appropriate person. In this instance the clinician will remain on the premises.
What is the importance of the role of the second appropriate person during a patient's treatment when receiving any form of?
The importance of the role of the second appropriate person during a patient’s treatment when receiving any form of conscious sedation. The importance of clinical monitoring. The equipment used in the surgery.
What is the second appropriate person in dental?
The second appropriate person will ensure that the patient is seated comfortably in the dental chair and request their permission to apply personal protective equipment. They will, if necessary, introduce them to the clinician and wait attentively until the clinician is ready to commence.
Do dental nurses have to be present during surgery?
INTRODUCTION. During any treatment that a patient receives the dental nurse must remain in the surgery and when any form of conscious sedation is used as an adjunct to allow patients to accept treatment it is imperative that a second appropriately trained person be present at all times. This is due to the extended role that a person has ...
What do dental nurses learn?
As a trainee dental nurse, learning about the extensive variety of instruments used within the practice is paramount and what different treatments they may be used for. Including how to zone these correctly in your surgery to prevent cross-contamination. You will become familiar with different materials that are used throughout the practice and what is needed for all treatments. Then, you will learn how to mix these materials. For example, alginate which is used to take impressions for treatments such as dentures.
What do you learn as a dental nurse?
Another job role you will learn while being a trainee dental nurse is to record the charting teeth during examinations and note down any treatment that may need to be carried out. Part of this will be making notes onto the patient’s records at each important stage, ensuring they are as thorough as possible.
Why do dentists do day lists?
The day begins by each dental nurse opening up their surgery so it is ready for the first patient, day lists are checked to familiarise ourselves with what treatment is being carried out on that day. I find that writing notes on my day list helps me prepare myself for what instruments or materials I may need to organise for each appointment. We also check to see whether any lab work is needed for any of the treatments, this includes treatments such as dentures or crowns.
What is the role of a dental nurse at Carillon?
Being a dental nurse at Carillon Dental Care comes with a lot of responsibility as you are the heart of your surgery, determining the smooth running of each day for you and the clinician.
What is the role of decontamination in dental?
The decontamination and sterilisation process is one of the most important job roles of being a dental nurse. It is vital that we are extremely particular! This prevents any chance of cross-contamination and putting any patients’ at risk. As a trainee dental nurse, learning about the extensive variety of instruments used within ...
What to expect after dental interview?
Firstly you will be required to be vaccinated against Hep B and Tuberculosis. These vaccinations are required since we may come into contact in when working in a dental practice.
How many exams are there for dental nurses?
There are 2 exams you have to take to become a dental nurse. The first exam is a written exam which entails 125 questions. These are a mix of multiple choice questions and extending matching questions.
Where can a dental nurse work?
A qualified dental nurse can work in several establishments, including hospitals, general practice, community dental service centers, and with the military and police.
What are the skills required to become a dental nurse?
Dental nurses are usually required to possess the following traits, which are relevant for their effectiveness on the job: High level of manual dexterity. You must be good with your hands. Good eyesight.
What are the qualifications for a dental nurse?
Dental nurses are usually required to possess the following traits, which are relevant for their effectiveness on the job: 1 High level of manual dexterity 2 You must be good with your hands 3 Good eyesight 4 Good physical health 5 Friendly and sympathetic approach 6 Confident and reassuring attitude 7 Ability to relate well with different kind of people.
What is the role of an assistant dentist?
Serve as an assistant to the Dentist during treatment by passing relevant equipment and instruments to him, in the same vein retracting and aspirating if necessary
Why are dental nurses prone to infections?
Due to having close contact with patients, dental nurses are prone to contacting infections from patients whom they treat.
What is the role of a dental nurse?
As the dentist separates the apex from the tooth, it is the dental nurses role to provide effective chairside assistance, before passing them the surgical curette to scrape out all infected soft tissue.
What is the nurse's job during visit 2?
During visit 2, the nurse must assist with the removal of the temporary filling and dressing before cleaning and drying the root canal as preparation
What is pulpectomy in dental?
Pulpectomy is a non-surgical endodontic procedure carried out in an attempt to save a full formed permanent tooth from extraction by removing and replacing all the pulpal tissue from the pulp chamber and root canal with sterile root filling material. A key role of the dental nurse is in the preparation for the pulpectomy, where special care must be taken to use all sterile instruments and dressings as the root canal must be disinfected before it is filled. The material and instrument required for a rubber dam should always be prepared as this is the best method for the dentist to isolate the tooth to prevent any ingression of micro-organisms or accidents such an inhaling the root canal instruments.
What drill do you use for a root canal?
Then, by providing the dentist with the conventional diamond burs required, they will access the pulp chamber with the dental drill. Following this, if the dentist needs access to the root canal via drilling then pass them the stainless steel bur or a Gates Glidden drill.
What can you use to dry a dental canal?
Moreover, after the dentist has filed and disinfected the canal, it can be dried using absorbent paper points, which are then covered with dry sterile cotton wool. As the dental nurse, it is your role to provide these instruments and assist with moisture control.
What is the purpose of endodontics?
This endodontic procedure involves the removal of the infected apex of a tooth and its surrounding infected tissue. The aim of this is to save the tooth in cases where the root filling is either unsuccessful or impossible.
What radiograph is needed for root canal?
Furthermore, if the dentist needs to work out the length of the root canal, they may require a diagnostic periapical radiograph to determine the working length. By working within this length the dentist can prevent penetration of the apical foramen or too short of a preparation within the canal.
How to prepare for dental surgery?
To prepare the surgery you would start by sterilising and adequately disinfecting all the equipment to an appropriate standard to kill any microbial contamination. Then you would place any disposable covering, such as plastic sheets, onto wherever they are necessary, for example onto the dental chair.
What is the purpose of anaesthesia in a procedure?
Administer local aesthetic or general anaesthetic to the patient to eliminate the pain/discomfort associated with the procedure.
Why would you need tooth sectioning for tooth extraction?
Unfavourable root curvature or a gross root caries that prevents simple forceps removal of the roots might introduce a need for tooth sectioning to make the extract easier.
What is the best way to remove debris from a dental canal?
If there is debris within the canal, the dentist will require a syringe with sterile saline and the high-speed aspiration for removal
Is a tooth extraction considered surgical?
All tooth extractions have a very similar technique, so this will be covered first before entering the specific considerations required for: impact teeth, buried roots, erupted teeth, unerupted teeth and roots and deciduous teeth – which are all considered surgical extraction (either the soft tissue alone or soft tissue and alveolar bone needs to be removed so the dentist can gain access to either the tooth or root).
What is the job of a dental nurse?
Each day and between every patient, the dental nurse has a responsibility to prepare and sterilise the room and equipment within the surgery. This means setting up the necessary tools and materials that the qualified orthodontist will need for each procedure, which will be different for every patient, some even requiring you to mix certain materials prior to surgery.
What does a dental nurse do during surgery?
During the surgery, the dental nurse provides chair-side assistance by passing him the required tools or even providing a pair of extra hands when necessary. In addition to this, they also have a responsibility to clean equipment and disinfect all surfaces throughout the day, adhering to the strict health and hygiene standards in place.
What is the role of a dental nurse in orthodontics?
During orthodontic treatment, the dental nurse has a spectrum of jobs to assist and support the dentist in providing successful patient care. Their role before and during orthodontic surgery Each day and between every patient, the dental nurse has a responsibility to prepare and sterilise the room and equipment within the surgery. This means setting up the necessary tools and materials that the qualified orthodontist will need for each procedure, which will be different for every patient, some e
What is the job of a dental nurse?
A ‘normal’ workday for a dental nurse will consist of the following core responsibilities: Preparing fillings and other materials. Providing support and reassurance to the patient. Sterilising instruments. Processing and filing x-rays.
Why is it important to be a dental nurse?
As dental practises can be a source of anxiety for many it’s important that dental nurses can provide emotional support. You’ll need to have a caring disposition and be able to work well under pressure.
What is an orthodontic nurse?
Orthodontics is a specialised area in dentistry that mainly focuses on correcting bites and straightening teeth. Orthodontic dental nursing is available for qualified dental nurses who wish to train further and develop their skillset.
What is a dental radiography certificate?
Gaining a certificate in radiography allows dental nurses to work as an IR (ME)R operator. You’ll be qualified to take intra-oral and extra-oral radiographs of patients.
What is dental nursing?
Dental nurses in a hospital setting work alongside a myriad of other professionals in oral care. This can range from post graduate dental students to consultants in charge of whole departments. So, your days will be quite varied in terms of what is required of you.
What is a certificate in special care dental nursing?
A certificate in special care dental nursing will give you the knowledge to carry out oral care to those in need.
Do dental nurses need to be trained in sedation?
Dental nurses working in a hospital would do well in studying further and achieving certificates in sedation and radiography. Sedation requires further training due to the importance of understanding the side effects. You’ll learn how to identify areas of concern and respond accordingly if need be.
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. 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 …
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 mat…
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 characteris...
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 hygienist, dental therapistor orthodontic therapists. You can also acquire additional skills such as impression-taking and providing fluoride varnish as part of dental public health pro…
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 ratesbut 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. 1. Displaying 1 - 5 of 9 matches University of Essex Opens in a new window View course Opens in a new window 1.1. Qualification 1.1.1. Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons) Study mod…