Career outlook for dental nurse
Figures and forecasts for roles at the same level, which require similar skills and qualifications.
Average UK salary
£16,640
Currently employed in Scotland
4,900
Average UK salary
£16,640
Currently employed in Scotland
4,900
"LMI for All" supplies our salary and employment status information. "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures.
Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.
What's it like?
You would look after people when they visit the dentist and make them feel comfortable. You’d assist the dentist as they give treatments and help with other aspects of patient care.
You’d look after patients who are coming for a simple check-up or having advanced specialist treatment.
Patients may be nervous so you’d need to be calm and reassuring. You’d try to make sure that they are relaxed and comfortable at all times.
You would:
- Tidy and prepare the dental surgery
- Sterilise instruments
- Keep areas in the surgery sterile
- Pass instruments to the dentist, therapist or hygienist
- Remove water and saliva from the patient’s mouth during treatment
- Prepare materials, for example, to make fillings
- Help the dentist record information about each patient
- Check the stocks of dental materials
At a general dental practice, you may also help at the reception area, especially during busy periods.
This would involve booking appointments, taking payments for treatment, and greeting and reassuring patients.
You could work for the National Health Service (NHS) or in the private sector. You can see more about this role in the National Health Service on the Dental nurse page on the NHSScotland Careers website.
Working conditions
Hours
Environment
UK employment status
Full-time
55%
Part-time
42%
Self employed
4%
Create a qualification route
We’ve found some examples of the qualifications that could help you get this job.
Discover my routeTop skills
Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.
- Positive attitude
- Cooperating
- Supporting
- Reading
- Verbal communication
- Written communication
- Empathising
- Attention to detail
- Taking responsibility
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Use the Skills Explorer toolGetting in
Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you’ll need.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.
Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
Qualifications
You would need a dental nursing qualification (SCQF level 5), a Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Dental Nursing (SVQ level 3).
Entry requirements to a Dental Nursing course are normally three to four subjects at National 4 or 5, including English and a science subject.
Requirements vary for entry to a job or Modern Apprenticeship as a trainee dental nurse in a dental practice, or NHS hospital Dental Service but some employers will require qualifications at SCQF level 4 or 5.
Useful subjects
- Maths
- English
- at least one science subject
You will also need
To pass a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure check.
Once in the job you can gain a relevant qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Dental Nursing (SCQF level 3).
Helpful to have
Qualifications that demonstrate understanding of health, wellbeing and care such as:
- Health and Social Care (SCQF level 6)
- SQA Wellbeing Award (SCQF level 3-5)
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