Dental nurses support the running of a dental practice and help dentists treat patients. Learn more about the day-to-day role of a dental nurse, and what qualifications you’ll need to get a job.
To qualify, you’ll need to pass a course in dental nursing that’s approved by the General Dental Council. This might be a Level 3 Diploma or T Level in Health. You can study for this at college, and it’s also offered by some universities.
Degree subjects to consider include:
Once qualified, you’ll need to register with the General Dental Council.
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You don’t need an undergraduate or postgraduate degree to be a dental nurse. However, many people use their role as a dental nurse as a stepping-stone into other roles.
If you want to progress to other areas in dentistry then universities offer lots of oral health-related degrees. Examples include:
As you’ll be helping the dentist and supporting patients, it’s important to have great team work and people skills. You’ll also need a genuine interest in dentistry and dental hygiene.
You don’t need anything specific, but work experience in healthcare will help you stand out when applying for courses and jobs.
It’s possible to get a job as a trainee dental nurse without any academic qualifications. Some employers might support you in studying for a qualification while you’re working.
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