Nurse - Becoming a dental nurse
You need to undergo training to become a Dental Nurse which will involve gaining practical experience in the surgery under the guidance of professionally trained staff as well as attending a formal course in theory which results in a highly recognised qualification.
Training
There are a number of ways of training to be a Dental Nurse. Some dental hospitals offer full time courses lasting one or two years which combine the theoretical and practical aspects of being a Dental Nurse.
Dental Nurses trained in hospitals can take either the National Certificate or the hospital’s own examination. Some higher education colleges also offer full time Dental Nurse courses.
Courses
The qualification for Dental Nurses is the National Certificate, which is awarded to Dental Nurses who have passed the examination and completed two years full time surgery experience.
The National Certificate is entering into the NVQ framework this year. You can contact the NEBDN on 01253 778417 for more details.
The courses are available on a part or full time basis. If you are already employed in general practice it is possible to attend evening classes which lead to the National Certificate.
It is also possible to train as a Dental Nurse in the Armed Forces – for details contact your local Armed Forces Career Office or visit their website on http://www.army.mod.uk/medical/dental/index.html .
Entry Requirements
There are no academic entry requirements or age limits for those who wish to sit the National Certificate, but some colleges may have their own entry requirements. The National Certificate is awarded to Dental Nurses who have passed the examination and completed two years full time surgery experience.
Further training
Qualified Dental Nurses are eligible to be included on the Voluntary National Register which allows them to follow post-qualification courses in Oral Health Education, Dental Sedation Nursing, Dental Anaesthetic Nursing and Orthodontic Nursing.
