It is a requirement of dental nursing to begin working as a trainee Dental Nurse in a dental practice for at least 16 hours per week within three months of enrolling on a dental nursing course.
What are some of the tasks you will do as a Trainee Dental Nurse?
Working as a Trainee Dental Nurse you will complete a variety of roles, with the primary emphasis being on supporting Dentists during procedures and appointments. As well as working closely with Dentists, Dental Nurses are responsible for interacting with patients, easing any anxiety ahead of appointments, and advising them on oral hygiene.
It is a fulfilling and varied role, including preparing fillings, sterilising dental instruments, keeping patient records, and ensuring the workspace is clean. Dental knowledge and a personable approach are the main attributes you need to thrive in this position. Plus, once you qualify as a Dental Nurse, you will be able to progress by gaining additional qualifications.
How Do You Become a Dental Nurse?
You will require an accredited qualification to become a Dental Nurse, and through learndirect, you can study a Dental Nurse course that is approved by the NCFE CACHE. The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing, covers a realm of topics set out within the GDC (General Dental Council) Scope of Practice. As an accredited Dental Nurse course, UK learners will need to apply for a role as a trainee Dental Nurse working for at least 16 hours a week (although most dental practices will prefer you to work for more).
During the course, you will learn about various oral diseases, treatments, and restorative dentistry, among many other topics. This dental nursing course will teach you everything you need to know, giving you the skills and techniques required to perform competently as a Dental Nurse. Much of the role involves providing support and help to patients who feel nervous in the Dentist's chair.
Through a combination of summative and workplace assessments, including a Record of Experience (RoE), you will be on your way to achieving an accredited dental nursing qualification. Some of the topics covered during the dental nurse course, UK learners, include:
• Health and Safety in the Dental Environment – You’ll learn how dental practices maintain high standards of safety and hygiene to protect both patients and staff. You’ll explore key areas such as infection prevention, decontamination procedures and the importance of following Health Technical Memorandum (HTM 01-05) guidance within a clinical setting. This unit helps build the essential knowledge needed to work safely and professionally in a dental environment.
• Oral Health for Individuals – You’ll learn how dental professionals educate patients on good oral hygiene practices, prevention techniques and the impact of diet on oral health. You’ll also develop an understanding of how communication plays an important role in helping patients maintain healthy habits and prevent future dental problems.
• The Provision of Fixed and Removable Prostheses – You’ll gain insight into how dental nurses support treatments involving crowns, bridges and dentures. You’ll learn about the preparation involved in these procedures, how to assist the dental team effectively and the importance of providing reassurance and support to patients during restorative dental treatments.
To achieve your Diploma in Dental Nursing equivalent to Level 3, you will have to pass three assessments, including a written exam and a practical exam and provide a sufficient portfolio of evidence related to your in-practice experience.
Consider an Online Dental Nurse Course; UK Learners
Many people assume that to achieve an accredited qualification in dental nursing, you have to go to college, but learndirect offers you an alternative avenue. As the UK’s leading online learning provider, we have helped more than 4 million students achieve qualifications in their chosen fields. The benefit of studying online is that you can tailor your study schedule to fit around your daily routine.
For example, if you are a parent to young children or have other commitments, you can still successfully achieve a NCFE CACHE Diploma in Dental Nursing equivalent to Level 3 with learndirect. This is because you choose when to study as opposed to sitting in a classroom. However, you need to be aware that one of the requirements of this course is to secure a job working as a Trainee Dental Nurse as soon as you can.
You are required to complete a Record of Experience, which needs to be overseen by a professional that is GDC registered. If you do not have a placement arranged or you are not currently working as a Trainee Dental Nurse, we can find dental nursing vacancies near you and help you look for a job.
What Happens When Working as a Trainee?
Trainee Dental Nurses will be supervised while working at a dental surgery. You will be required to carry out a range of clinical tasks related to dental nursing. This process can be completed either at a dental surgery you already work at or at a placement that you have arranged.
The Record of Experience (RoE) needs to be completed at this stage, and it should contain a portfolio of evidence highlighting your competence as a Dental Nurse when carrying out clinical tasks.
Get in Touch Now to Start Your Dental Nursing Course
If you are keen to start your dental nursing journey, then get in touch with learndirect today to begin a nationally recognised course. As soon as you enrol, you will have access to our online platform with course materials so you can get started instantly!
It is entirely up to you when you study, allowing you to tailor your learning schedule.
To speak to one of our Course Advisers, give us a call on 01202 006 464. Alternatively, you can send your query to our support centre. From course enrolment to flexible payment options, we can answer any questions. So get in touch now to begin your journey today!
