What qualifications do you need to become dental nurse?

Question

(U.K ONLY)

Thanks to those who reply :)

Answer 1

Look at some career websites such as Planitplus or Careers Scotland for info on all sorts of careers and what you need to get into courses or train on the job. Good Luck.

Answer 2

There are usually no academic qualifications needed to work as a trainee/student dental nurse, but in order to progress, you will need to study for further qualifications (see below).  Some of these qualifications require GCSEs at grade D-G (or equivalent) for entry, others may require GCSEs at grade A-C (or equivalent) as a minimum.

Employers will expect a friendly, responsible attitude and positive approach to people and a willingness to study.

Training

Once you start as a student/trainee dental nurse, you will be encouraged to study for a qualification. This is important for your future career development. The course needs to be recognised by the General Dental Council (GDC)  - such as the National Certificate awarded by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN), NVQ level 3 in Dental Nursing, level 3 VRQ in Dental Nursing, or the Certificate of Higher Education in Dental Nursing.

Dental hospitals and further education colleges run courses on a full-time and part-time basis. The Certificate of Higher Education in Dental Nursing is offered at Portsmouth University.

If like most dental nurses, you start your career in general dental practice, you will be able to study in the evenings or on day release.

The national certificate is awarded to dental nurses who have passed the examination and completed two years of full-time surgery experience.

If you begin your career in a dental hospital or in the community dental service, you will start as a dental nurse, qualifying when you have obtained your national certificate.