Registered dental nurse: Difference between revisions
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These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and location. |
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and location. |
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There are no set salary scales for dental nurses’ in general dental practices. Salaries are individually negotiated and tend to be higher in London and south-east England. |
There are no set salary scales for dental nurses’ in general dental practices. Salaries are individually negotiated and tend to be higher in London and south-east England. |
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Student dental nurses can expect to start from around £8,840 to £17,739 a year |
*Student dental nurses can expect to start from around £8,840 to £17,739 a year |
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Qualified dental nurses may earn between £10,500 and £25,248 a year. |
*Qualified dental nurses may earn between £10,500 and £25,248 a year. |
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The more highly-paid dental nurses (such as a dental nurse team manager or tutor dental nurse) may earn up to £30,247 a year. |
*The more highly-paid dental nurses (such as a dental nurse team manager or tutor dental nurse) may earn up to £30,247 a year. |
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== Hours and environment == |
== Hours and environment == |
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This article was last edited by Dentalnurse1 (talk | contribs) 15 years ago. (Update timer) |
Dental nurses are qualified dental care professionals and work as part of a dental team. The responsibility held by a Dental nurse is not to be confused with that of a dental assistant, which are usually unqualified and are limited to working within “high street“ dental practices. From 30th July 2008 all Dental nurses must be registered with the General Dental Council to continue working legally.
Role & Responsibility
Dental nurses are employed in general dental practices, the community dental service, hospitals and the armed services.
Dental nurses are responsible for ensuring the Dentist or Surgeon's patient list runs smoothly during the course of a clinical session. This can include, but is not limited to:
- All instrumention is correct and has been throughly sterilsed
- All available xrays, study models and case notes are to hand
- Necessary stock and supplies are available
- The dental surgery/ operating room is clean and equipment is in good working order
Dental nurses also need to be good communicators and have excellent organization skills. A good command of both verbal and written English is essential.
Qualifications
Previously no academic qualifications was needed to work as a Dental nurse. Employers, including hospitals and community dental services, now require all Dental nurses to have obtained a recognized qualification, following the GDC (general dental council) new register for dental care professionals.
Qualifications recognized by the GDC are:
- The National Certificate awarded by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN)
- NVQ level 3 in Dental Nursing
- Level 3 VRQ in Dental Nursing
- The Certificate of Higher Education in Dental Nursing
Dental hospitals and further education colleges run courses on a full-time and part-time basis. The Certificate of Higher Education in Dental Nursing is only offered at Portsmouth University.
Most dental nurses, who start their career in general dental practice, study in the evenings or on day release, this requires a lot of self discipline. Some dental nurses start their career through a dental hospital. They will be expected to attend lectures and placements on variety of clinics to build their knowledge and experience. Usually at the end of their training period, they are required to take a hospital proficiency test prior taking the NEBDN examination.
The NEBDN certificate is awarded to dental nurses who have successfully passed the examination and completed two years of full-time surgery experience.
The NEBDN exam consists of a written paper, spotter, practical and oral/verbal test. The NEBDN exam takes place twice a year, in May and November.
Candidates must score 75% (or more) in each test in order to successfully pass, otherwise the candidate will be failed and will have to retake the exam again later in the year at the next sitting.
GDC Register
The General Dental Council opened the new Register for Dental Care Professionals (dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental technicians and dental nurses) in July 2006. By July 2008, anyone working in any of those positions MUST be registered with the GDC (the only exception is of Student dental nurses with less than 2 years experience as a dental nurse who are on an approved training course). This includes anyone working as a dental nurse part-time, or occasionally (including practice managers/receptionists who assist chairside) and temporary/locum dental nurses working independently or through an agency.
Salary and other benefits
These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the employer and location. There are no set salary scales for dental nurses’ in general dental practices. Salaries are individually negotiated and tend to be higher in London and south-east England.
- Student dental nurses can expect to start from around £8,840 to £17,739 a year
- Qualified dental nurses may earn between £10,500 and £25,248 a year.
- The more highly-paid dental nurses (such as a dental nurse team manager or tutor dental nurse) may earn up to £30,247 a year.
Hours and environment
Hours of work vary. Working with a general dental practitioner usually begins between 8am and 9am and ends between 5pm and 8pm. This may also include working evenings and weekends. Hospital and community dental service based dental nurses’ work more regular hours. Hospital based dental nurses may sometimes be required to assist in operating theatres or attend to patient’s on a ward with a dentist or surgeon. The community dental service work in a number of different places including health authority surgeries, mobile clinics, schools, residential homes and patients' own homes.