Dental Nurse Job Description
What is a Dental Nurse Professional?
A dental nurse is an important member of a dental team. They provide chair-side assistance to the dentist, as well as support and care for patients before, during and after their treatment. Dental nurses are involved in all aspects of patient care. This includes taking X-rays, making impressions of teeth, preparing materials for fillings and crowns, and assisting with oral surgery.
What does a Dental Nurse Expert do?
They also provide education and support to patients on oral hygiene practices. In addition to clinical duties, dental nurses may also be responsible for administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and maintaining records. Some dental nurses also work in sales or marketing roles, promoting new products or services to dentists and other healthcare professionals.
What are the Skills of a Dental Nurse?
A dental nurse is a vital member of the oral healthcare team. They provide skilled assistance to dentists during treatment, as well as performing many important functions in their own right. In order to be an effective dental nurse, there are several skills and qualities that are essential. The most important skill for a dental nurse is excellent communication. This means being able to understand and follow instructions from dentists and other members of the team, as well as being able to explain procedures clearly to patients. Good communication skills also involve maintaining a calm and professional manner at all times, even when under pressure. As well as being an excellent communicator, a successful dental nurse must also have good manual dexterity and be able to use small tools confidently. This is because they will often be required to help with delicate procedures such as preparing fillings or taking impressions of teeth.
What makes an Expert Dental Nurse?
It is also important that dental nurses are physically fit, as they may need to assist with moving patients around the surgery. In terms of qualifications, most employers will require applicants for dental nursing positions to hold at least a diploma in Dental Nursing from an accredited institution. Many individuals choose to study for longer periods in order to gain additional qualifications or experience, but this is not always essential. Once qualified, all dental nurses must register with the General Dental Council (GDC) in order to practise legally in the UK. As well as clinical skills and qualifications, it is also important that all prospective dental nurses have a sound understanding of basic business principles. This includes knowing how to manage finances effectively and understand employment law relating to issues such as dismissal and discrimination claims. Additionally, those who wish to progress into management positions within the profession should consider studying for relevant business-related qualifications alongside their clinical training
What level of Experience & Qualifications are required to be a Dental Nurse?
Industry Experience: 1. A minimum of one year’s experience in a dental setting is recommended, such as working as a Dental Receptionist or Dental Assistant. 2. Knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation governing infection control and health & safety within the dental industry. 3. Understanding of basic clinical procedures (e.g., taking impressions, charting teeth). Training: 1. Completion of an accredited Dental Nursing course including all theoretical units/credits required for registration with General Dental Council (GDC) – there are several courses available at college level which provide this training over 12-18 months duration; these may include work placements to gain practical experience alongside lectures, workshops and seminars covering subjects such as oral anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, preventative dentistry etc… Qualifications: 1. Registration on GDCs Voluntary Register - Dentists must be registered before they can practice legally in the UK; you will need to submit evidence that you have completed your studies along with details about any previous qualifications held when applying for entry onto the register so make sure you keep copies! Education: 1 .A Level 3 Diploma in Oral Health Care awarded by National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN), or equivalent qualification approved by GDC – this diploma covers both theory elements such as patient care protocols plus hands-on skills development through demonstrations from qualified professionals during supervised sessions held at colleges across England Wales Scotland Ireland Isle Man Channel Islands Gibraltar.
What is the Salary of a Dental Nurse?
A junior dental nurse typically earns between £13,000 and £18,500 per year. As the role develops more experience is gained in carrying out a range of duties such as assisting dentists during procedures, taking x-rays and providing oral hygiene advice to patients. With this additional expertise salaries will rise to between £17,300 -£23,400 annually. Senior dental nurses may earn up to around £25k depending on experience and location with some earning higher than that based on their responsibilities within a practice or clinic. Senior nurses are expected to take part in advanced clinical tasks including tooth extractions under supervision from a dentist as well as provide patient care support for complex cases by liaising directly with other medical professionals such as orthodontists or periodontists where necessary. This can result in salary increases which could reach up to around £30 000 yearly for those who have accumulated many years of valuable skills and knowledge at an experienced level.
What are the Working Conditions for a Dental Nurse?
General working conditions for a dental nurse vary depending on the type of practice in which they work. Most often, dental nurses will be employed by private practices or hospitals and may be required to work full-time, part-time or casual hours. Working hours are typically Monday through Friday with some weekend shifts available as well. Dental nurses must adhere to strict protocols and use appropriate safety equipment such as gloves, masks and protective eyewear while providing care to patients. They may also need additional certification if they plan on administering anesthesia during procedures like tooth extractions or root canals. Additionally, all dental staff should have knowledge of various types of x-ray machines so that diagnostic images can be taken when needed. Good communication skills are essential for any healthcare provider; however this is especially important for those who provide patient services in the field of dentistry since it requires close interaction with clients throughout treatment sessions. Dental nurses must also stay up to date on new technology and techniques related to their profession so that they can ensure optimal care delivery every time.
What are the roles and responsibilities of a Dental Nurse?
disinfecting and sterilizing instruments
preparing treatment rooms for appointments
greeted patients as they arrive and escorted them to the treatment room
charting patients dental history and updating it as needed
seating patients in the dental chair and providing them with a drape
handing instruments to the dentist during procedures
suctioning saliva and other fluids during procedures
mixing materials used by the dentist during fillings, crowns, or other treatments
applying topical anesthetics before some procedures
inserting rubber dams to isolate teeth
taking x-rays
removing sutures
monitoring patients who have been sedated
changing gloves after each patient
educating patients on proper oral hygiene
scheduling follow-up appointments
handling billing and insurance information
calling in prescriptions to pharmacies
keeping the treatment area clean
stocking supplies
Where can I find Dental Nurse jobs?
- Create a profile on gigexchange and promote your Dental Nurse skills to advertise you are Open to New Work Opportunities
- Ensure your Resume (or CV), or online work profile is up to date and represents your skills and experience. Ensure your reputation reflects your ability & attitude.
- Apply for Dental Nurse Jobs advertised on gigexchange.
- Practise Dental Nurse interview techniques to ensure you represent your personality and ability succinctly and confidently.
- Accept the job offer if the salary meets your expectations and the employer mission and purpose reflects your core values.
Jobs
What are the best job boards for Dental Assistant jobs?
How can I hire Dental Nurse staff online for my business?
The best job board for recruiting Dental Nurse experts is gigexchange.com. Advertise full-time, part-time or contract jobs to find, hire & recruit trusted, experienced and talented Dental Nurse candidates near you.
Are Dental Nurse roles in demand in 2024?
Dental Nurse experts are still in high demand in 2024. If you are an experienced Dental Nurse or looking to train and become one. The job market is looking strong for Dental Nurse jobs near me.