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A dental nurse is an essential part of the dental team, helping to ensure that the patient is well cared for. It is important that a dental nurse has a welcoming and reassuring manner and is seen to be calm, friendly and efficient. The dental nurse is responsible for implementing the practice's infection control and health and safety policies. Additional duties include processing radiographs, helping the dentist to record information about the patient’s oral health, and stock control.
	The dental nurse works closely with the dentist providing assistance throughout the patient’s visit. Assisting the dentist includes a variety of procedures such as instrument exchange, removing water and saliva from the patient's mouth, sterilisation of instruments and preparation of certain materials.
The dental nurse is responsible for looking after the patient and helping the dentist to complete his or her clinical work as efficiently and smoothly as possible, so there is a need to be flexible, adaptable and reassuring. A dental nurse is usually the patient’s first contact on entering the dentist's surgery and so must be able to put the patient at ease, recognising that people are often very nervous at the dentist's.

In general dental practice, you may work in several areas of the surgery, you may be asked to help at reception - making appointments, collecting money and getting involved in the administration of the practice. The varying roles that you might undertake will depend upon the practice’s particular requirements.

Taking notes for patient dental records.

After gaining the initial dental nurse qualification a variety of options are available. Registered dental nurses may obtain post-qualification certificates in Oral Health Education, Conscious Sedation or Radiography.

Some further education colleges offer the National Certificate for Dental Nurses. This course is for Dental nurses who are currently working in a dental practise and is a 12-month part time evening course for Dental Nurses who have had at least six months chairside experience at the commencement of the programme.

Using the sterilising equipment.

There are a variety of ways to learn how to become a dental nurse which lead to the National Certificate in Dental Nursing. It is not vital to hold a formal dental nurse qualification to start work in a dental practice or clinic. The majority of dental nurses are taught while working in general practice and attend a further education college on an evening class basis to learn the theoretical side of dental nursing. Full-time courses are available for qualifications at certain colleges of further and higher education. Training can also be undertaken through the Armed Forces.

For further information on courses, please contact your local college or careers service.

This article appears with thanks to Calderdale College and first appeared in the Halifax Evening Courier.

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Dental Nurse