DENTAL NURSE – STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO BECOME A DENTAL NURSE
We at Dental Nursing Academy help overseas medical professionals to get settled in UK and work for NHS. UK being a developed country and one of the most prestigious places to live in has now become the first choice of skilled professionals to work in UK Health Industry. Whether as a Doctor, Nurse, Therapist, Dentist Assistant etc, UK welcomes every aspiring deserving professional to work for NHS. We at Dental Nursing Academy provide deeper knowledge time to time for jobs in UK.
Here, in this article we aim to make you aware of all your queries regarding How To Become A Dental Nurse or Nursing for dentists in UK.
Who Is Dental Nurse?
A dentist work with the assistance of a dental nurse and are together called as four handed dentistry. Thus, a dental nurse is a crucial viaduct between the dentist and patient.
They provide chair-side support for the dental team which includes dentists, therapists, hygienists and technicians.
Eligibility To Become A Dental Nurse In UK
As such there is no need of any specific professional degree but need accredited dental hygiene associate’s degree or certificate program following obtaining a licensure. In UK dental nurses are known as dental hygienists. To join the professional organization, one has to follow below step:
- Complete prerequisites for dental hygiene school
- Complete a dental hygiene program
- Obtain licensure
- Apply for a position as a dental hygienist
- Join a professional organization
- Registration Process To Work As Dental Nurse In UK
For those who are qualified in UK from a recognised institute does not need any assessment and can apply full registration directly at gdc-uk.org. but for overseas aspirants, has to go through a questionnaire set up at GDC portal.This will ensure whether you are eligible or not. This will redirect you to application guidance and requirements. After following all the steps your application will go under assessment process against your circumstances and qualifications. You will receive notification against your application after assessing your application.
Trainee Dental Nurse In UK
For a trainee dental nurse there is no much requirement of academic qualifications but if someone is looking for the progress one has to go through courses approved by GDC. These are available both part time and full time.
Full-time courses may require evidence of A-level or AS-level study. Part-time courses may ask for a minimum number of GCSEs, usually ranging from A to C in English language, maths or science. It is important to check with the course provider for details of necessary qualifications or work experience requirements, as these may vary.
For those who aspire to work immediately can go for on the job training facility while working towards the certifications.
Courses For Trainee Dental Nurse And Dental Nurse In UK
The Dental Nursing course offers the students to prepare for the NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing followed by registration with the General Dental Council (GDC). The diploma holding candidates have a wide range of career opportunities in various subjects within the dental industry. The Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing is a one-year equivalent part-time course and candidates are expected to take the first stage of the examination within 12-18 months of starting the course.
The Training Courses Available Include:
- Foundation Degree in Dental Nursing
- Certificate of Higher Education in Dental Nursing
- National Diploma in Dental Nursing (awarded by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses)
- QCF Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing
- NVQ Level 3 in Dental Nursing
If you wish to study as a trainee dental nurse, you can opt for either the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) National Diploma in Dental Nursing, the Dental Nursing NVQ Level 3, or the Diploma in Dental Nursing. You can study for these courses on a part-time basis at some dental hospitals, further education colleges and external training providers.
If you prefer the full-time approach, you can study a GDC-approved course, which can be accessed through a number of universities, including the University of Northampton and the University of Portsmouth.
Rising Opportunities For A Dental Nurse
Past 2 decades, there has been a lot of change in our lifestyle and thought of living. Now people are more concerned for their health. Since Covid-19, focus on health has increased even more.
Now people give extra care for their teeth too. White sparkling teeth has become a trend now. Fully aligned teeth, healthy gums and time to time dental check-up has raised the opportunities for dental nurses too.
No Need Of Huge Bank Balance
In UK overseas registered nurses can work as a trainee for NHS in any hospital and are salaried. In this way they can earn and simultaneously prepare for Overseas Registration Exam.
Key Skills
- Willingness to learn and an aptitude for dental nursing.
- Possess a genuine interest in the science behind dentistry.
- Must show their interest to learn multi skills as a dental nurse role is much wide.
- Capable to work with team
- Calm nature even when under pressure
- Excellent communication skills
- Must be confident about the work
- Personal qualities like to be sympathetic, empathetic and a good listener, as many people are nervous about visiting the dentist and need constant reassurance. As such, an ability to work well with children and difficult patients is key.
- Should take care of personal hygiene, physical fitness as much of your day will be spent on your feet.
- Capable to keep critical records of the patient and must tackle administrative part also so well.
Dental Nurse Salary In UK
The average salary of dental nurse in UK is £17,851 within the UK. A trainee dental nurse can expect to earn at least £17,000.The salary can exceed up to £30,000.
Dental nurse Role/Responsibilities
In today’s era the key role of a dental nurse is not just restricted to just assisting dentists but has a much wider range. A dental nurse helps basically to support them in all aspects of patient care.
In addition to assisting in patient care, the dental nurse role can extend outside of the surgery. As a dental nurse you may be tasked with reception work which may include making appointments taking payments and handling paperwork.
The has not just the key responsibility of a dental nurse is to look after the patient’s records, preparing instruments, making sure everything needed for the procedures is in place and responding quickly to the patient’s request to make sure everything goes according to the plan.
Fee Cost Of NEBDN
The total tuition fee is £1490 (excluding non-refundable registration and NEBDN examination fee) payable by instalments.
Scope of a Dental Nurse
- Candidates can progress into any below dentistry field:
- Dental Practice Manager
- Dental Technician
- Dental Hygienist
- Dental Therapist
- Dentist
- Dental Tutor.
Post-Graduation Courses After A Nursing Degree
- Related subjects:
- Cancer Nursing.
- Care of Dying (Nursing)
- Children’s Nursing.
- Community Nursing.
- Diabetes Nursing.
- Drug Medicine Control Nursing.
- Health Visiting
- Infection Control Nursing
- Intensive care nursing
- Mental health and addiction nursing
- Midwifery
- Nursing specialism
Points To Remember
This is to make note that dental nursing assistant or dental nursing assistant level 3 qualifications are not eligible for registration as a dental nurse with us. If you wish to qualify and go on to register as a dental nurse in UK, please refer to the list of accepted docs.
Of course, becoming a dental nurse isn’t something that happens overnight. So, you can prepare for it right now. For any query you may contact us on info@dentalnursingacademy.co.uk
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