There are many good reasons to choose a career as a dental nurse. Not only is this profession an interesting way to earn a living, but it is also a rewarding way to help individuals and families learn how to stay healthy and happy. Thanks to Dr Amit Pabari – an Invisalign practitioner in Stourbridge, for his input to this post.
Duties and Responsibilities
The duties of dental nurses can vary. It oftentimes depends on the particular needs of the dentist, dental office or hospital. Keeping that in mind, two important responsibilities dental nurses often provide are offering patients teeth cleaning services and providng them with preventive care strategies. In addition, since some people find a trip to the dentist’s office a bit stressful, patient management skills are critical. If that is the case, dental nurses can help make sure patients feel calm, comfortable and secure. Other duties might include taking x-rays, applying sealants, and administering anesthesia. If a patient needs stitches or sutures removed, a dental nurse will possess the skills to do that as well. Dental nurses support dentists in all phases of dentistry practices, which could mean anything from cleaning and readying instruments to mixing filling materials. Sometimes dental nurses even help run the office by making appointments, filling out paperwork and accepting payments.
Training and Education
Academic training is usually not required to work as a trainee dental nurse. However, if you want to become a certified dental nurse and advance in this career, you will need to take formal, accredited classes and graduate from an approved dental nursing program. These programs are operated by various dental hospitals, colleges other training groups. You must also be registered with the General Dental Council, an organization which regulates dentists and dental care professionals.
Career Prospects and Opportunities
Dental nurses can find employment opportunities in places such as general practices, hospitals, community programs and the armed forces. After gaining additional experience, training and education, many dental nurses go on to find satisfying careers as orthodontic therapists, dental therapists or dental health practitioners. Many dental nurses find that joining professional organizations, such as the British Association of Dental Nurses, can help them explore and advance their careers since they can provide advanced educational services, conferences, career centers, and networking opportunities.