Dental Talent – 3 Crucial Things to Know for Aspiring Dental Nurses

When talking about professionals in the dental industry, people commonly think about dentists first. However, it’s essential to remember that dentists won’t be able to care for their patients well without the help of dental nurses. 

Dental nurses play a crucial role in assisting dentists in taking care of patients, especially during various dental or orthodontic procedures. Their skills are well-needed from the most basic of check-ups to the most complex surgeries. 

 

 

If you are interested in pursuing a career in the dental field, finding dental nurse jobs in London is advisable. Going down this route will allow you to work for the NHS in a clinical setting or private practice. Furthermore, you will have the option to work on a full-time or part-time basis. 

Here are more important points you need to know about this career: 

1. Qualifications to Become A Dental Nurse

Before anything else, you should know that there are two ways for you to qualify as a dental nurse. 

You can choose to study at a college that provides opportunities for practical placement in a dental practice. Alternatively, you can choose to work as a trainee right away. Both options will give you the training and experience needed to meet the requirements set by the General Dental Council or GDC. 

In the first option, your years of study at a college or university will allow you to register with the GDC. With that said, you should know that the council requires you to pass a particular exam and complete two years of surgery experience. 

The second option will allow you to get the on-the-job training you need while being paid a starter salary. 

2. Essential Soft Skills to Become A Dental Nurse 

Aside from mastering the technical aspects of dentistry, you need to develop soft skills and personality traits. To give you an idea, here are some worth honing as early as now: excellent communication skills, organisational skills, and the ability to multitask and work with difficult patients. 

Furthermore, you will need to be computer literate as well. You must also be able to work well under pressure and work well in a team. Finally, you must be calm and composed in handling difficult tasks. 

3. The Typical Day-to-Day Tasks of A Dental Nurse

When it comes to your daily tasks, you will typically work with different patients and assist dentists in various procedures in a day. You are mainly responsible for preparing and passing instruments to the dentist or hygienist. You will also suction water and saliva from the patient’s mouth during treatment and prepare filings and other materials. 

Moreover, you will be tasked to sterilise instruments, clean dental surgeries, and record and file information about patients. Finally, you may also be asked to manage stocks and take bookings and payments. 

The best part of being a dental nurse is that no two days will be the same. You will see a lot of variety in each working week. Ultimately, you will have plenty of opportunities to care for others and help them overcome their fear of dental procedures! 

Conclusion 

Pursuing a career in dentistry as a dental nurse is a smart move. The opportunities in this career path are endless as dental nurses are in-demand in various settings. Aside from this, there is always something new to learn and experience every day. Ultimately, you can get started by working as a trainee right away. All you need to do is find a great practice to help you get your dentistry career off the ground!

Make your search for the best dental nurse jobs in London easier with the Dental Talent website! In association with The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, we are a recruitment platform helping dental practitioners in the UK find the right job. Visit our website today to kickstart your career!