DENTAL NURSE

The Job

The Dental Nurse is trained to assist the Dentist at the chair-side and to perform administrative duties within a Dental Centre. Responsibilities include the care and management of patients, maintenance of dental surgery equipment, and preparation and sterilisation of instruments. Some reception work is also involved.

The Right Job For Me?

Dental Nurses need to show a genuine interest in clinical and administrative work, be of good character, and have a high standard of cleanliness and personal hygiene. They should be caring, enthusiastic, motivated, and able to work as part of a tight-knit team.

What Skills Will I Learn?

Care and management of patients, including anatomy, physiology and surgery skills.Cross-infection control, preparation of dental materials, dental diseases and their prevention.Processing of dental X-rays, dentition and tooth structure and dental administrative procedures.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial trainingAll RADC soldiers begin their careers at Army Training Regiment (ATR) Winchester (males) or Pirbright (females). During your 14-week basic training course, you will learn military skills such as foot drill, how to handle and fire a weapon, how to live and work in the open, and how to tackle an assault course, as well as developing your stamina and fitness. You will be stretched further than you thought possible, and toughen up both physically and mentally. Having successfully mastered these basic military skills, you will take your place in the Passing Out parade in front of an invited audience of parents, relatives and friendsFurther training After completing your basic training, you will attend a 14-week course at the Defence Dental Services Training Establishment (DDS TE) in Aldershot. Here you will learn about the Royal Army Dental Corps and its history. This phase also covers various aspects of Dental Nurse training – the topics covered include anatomy, physiology, surgery skills, cross-infection control, preparation of dental materials, dental diseases and their prevention, processing dental X-rays, dentition and tooth structure, and dental admin procedures. All Dental Nurses are encouraged to reach the highest level of skill of which they are capable. Every skill level upgrade will involve extra pay.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

Dental Nurse Class 3 qualification, leading towards the National Certificate in Dental Nursing.

Future Prospects

Within the Royal Army Dental Corps, dedication and commitment are rewarded. Dental Nurses who have reached Class 1 may apply for course selection for membership of the Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR), and for admission to the National Register of Dental Surgery Assistants. The Royal Army Dental Corps is already offering the new system of Dental Nurse training leading to the National Certificate in Dental Nursing or NVQs. These qualifications are recognised by the General Dental Council. Promotion to Corporal can be achieved in 3-5 years.