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Laurence Bohan
Content Writer
Laurence Bohan
Content Writer

Laurence is a copywriter and trained journalist. His passion is creating insightful and educational content for dental professionals of every level. Outside of work, he enjoys watching sport, quizzing and spending time with his family.

Dental nurses play an important role in the success of every dental practice. The responsibilities discussed in this article are certainly not an exhaustive list as the role of the nurse varies from practice to practice, but all nurses will be familiar with the tasks we present here.

Checking Patient Notes 

Before any appointments get underway, the dental nurse will normally check the patient notes and highlight important features to the dentist, for example allergies. Some dentists will rely on the dental nurse to run through each patient’s medical history and ensure nothing has changed. 

Charting

All dental nurses learn how to take down and amend dental charts showing the status of each surface of each tooth in the patient’s mouth. Increasingly this data is stored digitally, but manual charting is still an essential skill. A dentist will expect a newly qualified dental nurse to be ready to take charts immediately, and they won’t slow down once they start the examination!

How to Become a Dental Nurse

In the UK you’ll need to study a course in dental nursing, either on a part time or full time basis, that is approved by the General Dental Council (GDC). Course requirements vary but typically you’ll need 2 GCSEs (C grade or above) in English plus Math or a science subject. It’s also possible to take a level 3 apprenticeship in dental nursing.

Once qualified, you’ll receive a GDC number that will enable you to work in NHS or private dental practices, domiciliary practices and even the Ministry of Defense. Experience as a dental nurse can lead to studying as a dental hygienist or dental therapist, and some nurses have gone on to train as dentists themselves.

The most important skills you’ll need are a willingness to work as part of a team and a desire to learn. You’ll need to be friendly and tactful, with an interest in people. The role can be stressful and challenging, so you’ll also need to be resilient and good at working under pressure. Equally being a nurse can be very rewarding, and it’s great to be part of a team helping to maintain and improve people’s health.

For more information on becoming a dental nurse, visit the British Association of Dental Nurses and the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses.

Check Out Our Dental Uniform Range 

If you’re reading this as an existing or aspiring dental nurse, feel free to browse our dental uniform range, our tops and trousers combine comfort, quality and fashion whilst sacrificing nothing on functionality, and are suitable for dentists and reception staff as well as nurses.

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