Dental nurses

Description

Dental nurses prepare patients for, and assist with, dental examinations, prepare and sterilise instruments and maintain case records.

Tasks

• Prepares patient for examination
• Prepares and sterilises instruments and follows guidelines to maintain sterile conditions within the surgery
• Hands required equipment and medication to dentist during examination
• Assists with minor treatment, such as preparing materials for fillings
• Removes water and saliva from patient’s mouth during treatment
• Maintains records, processes and mounts x-ray films and undertakes reception duties

Educational Requirements

Entry is most common with GCSEs/S grades. Training is available both Off and on-the-job. To become a registered dental nurse, entrants need to complete a course recognised by the General Dental Council.