Dental nurses work as part of a dental team. They help dentists with all aspects of patient care. They assist dentists during treatments as well as possibly taking payments and dealing with paperwork.
You could be:
The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:
Many dental nurses start by doing the Modern Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing. The apprentice rate, for those aged under 19 or aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship, is £6.40 an hour (1 April 2024).
Qualified Dental nurses who work for the National Health Service (NHS) are paid on the Agenda for Change scales. The current pay scales are from April 2024. They start off at Band 3, £26,869 to £28,998 a year. Qualified dental nurses are on Band 4, £29,116 to £31,670 a year.
Workforce Employment Status
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You must first complete a course approved by the General Dental Council (GDC), and then register with the GDC as a qualified Dental Nurse.
The GDC approves two qualifications that are available in Scotland: The National Diploma in Dental Nursing awarded by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN); and SVQ at SCQF Level 7 and PDA in Dental Nursing awarded by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
The GDC website has details of qualifications recognised for registration. Most dental nurses work in general practice and hospitals. You might get a job in the community dental service or the armed services. Some companies have their own health centres and you may find work in one of these.
Workforce Education Levels (UK)
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Employment
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You should be:
The following organisations may be able to provide further information.
British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN)
Tel: 01253 338360
E-mail:
enquiries@badn.org.uk
Website:
http://www.badn.org.uk/
X:
@BADNUK
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BADNUK
NHS Scotland Careers
Website:
http://www.careers.nhs.scot
Website (2):
https://jobs.scot.nhs.uk/
X:
@NHSScotCareers