Dentistry. A Career in Dental Nursing Many opportunities, many pathways.

Transcription

1 Dentistry A Career in Dental Nursing Many opportunities, many pathways.

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3 The role and responsibility of the dental nurse Dental nurses are part of a group of dental care professionals (DCP) and play a crucial role within the dental team. They are required to work as part of a dental team to assist in the delivery of dental care services to patients. Specifically, they provide support and assistance to the dentist or therapist and assist in clinical and non-clinical aspects of patient care in line with practice procedures. The role of a dental nurse A dental nurse assists the clinician in all aspects of patient care, including getting the appropriate instruments ready, mixing materials and medicaments and ensuring patient comfort. They will also take notes for the maintenance of the patient s records, and are responsible for maintaining a sterile and safe environment for both patients and other staff. In general practice, sometimes the dental nurse may help with reception work - making appointments, taking payments, dealing with paperwork and meeting and reassuring patients. An experienced nurse will use his/her knowledge of dentistry to anticipate what is needed during treatment sessions, a skill that is highly valued by the clinician. Dental nurses can be employed in general practice, hospitals or the public dental service and can also train as a dental nurse in the armed forces.

4 The entry requirements There are usually no academic qualifications needed to work as a trainee/student dental nurse, but in order to progress, you will need to study for further qualifications (see below). Three Standard Grades at Level three or above including English and one science would be recommended but you can contact your local educational provider for specific details. A team player with strong relationship building skills both internally and externally is essential along with good written and oral communication skills and excellent organisational skills. Employers will also expect a friendly, responsible attitude and positive approach to people, well presented and a willingness to study. Training Training will begin on the first day of work in the practice. In Scotland all trainee dental nurses complete a seven week induction programme which enables them to gain the essential knowledge and skills to work safely in practice. Successful completion of this induction programme will allow progression to the nearest pre-registration training course which is recognised by the General Dental Council (GDC), such as the National Certificate awarded by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN) or the SVQ level 3 in Oral Healthcare. These registerable qualifications are awarded to dental nurses who have successfully passed the examination criteria and have completed two years of full-time surgery experience.

5 Positive and recent changes to the profession Compulsory Registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) All Dental nurses are now required to register with the GDC. Dental Nurses in training are temporarily exempt from this requirement but must be able to demonstrate that they are working towards one of the registerable qualifications on a recognised training programme. General Dental Council Ethical Standards The General Dental Council aims to protect patients within the United Kingdom by regulating dental staff, assuring the quality of dental education and setting standards for conduct of behavior that all dental professionals must adhere to. For more information on the GDC, access their website at

6 The GDC require that all registered DCPs complete at least 150 hours of Continued Professional Developmment (CPD ) every five years to maintain registration. 50 of these hours will need to be verifiable CPD in specific subjects. 50 hours of Verifiable CPD Medical Emergencies 10 hours per cycle Complaints Handling Radiography and Protection 5 hours per cycle Legal and Ethical Issues Decontamination 5 hours per cycle Compulsory CPD provides evidence that DCPs : knowledge is up to date and relevant to their practice, professional performance is up to the standards needed to maintain registration, behaviour meets the standards set out in the GDC s guidance Standards for Dental Professionals.

7 Career prospects and Further Learning and Development Opportunities The following flow charts show the wide range of opportunities available to qualified dental nurses in order to develop knowledge and skills from qualifications at SVQ level 3 up to specific areas of interest at Masters level. Dental Nurse s Career Pathways Oral Health Promotion Administrative & Practice Management Dental Radiography Teaching and Assessing Special Care Dental Nursing Sedation Dental Nursing Orthodontic Dental Nursing Decontamination Orthodontic Therapy

8 Post Qualifications Dental Radiography Registerable Qualifications Oral Health Education Trainee Dental Nurse Special Care Dental Nursing 2 day Dental Nurse Induction Programme Work Safely in Dental Practice Registerable Dental Nurse Qualifications: SVQ Level 3 in Oral Healthcare National Certificate in Dental Nursing Registered and qualified Dental Nurse Orthodontic Dental Nursing Sedation Dental Nursing PDA in Dental Administration Teaching and Assessment Childsmile Extended Duty Dental Nurse Cleanliness Champions/ Decontamination e-learning

9 Futher Qualifications PDA in Dental Practice Management Masters PG Cert Frontline Leadership and Management Orthodontic Therapy Diploma Masters in Health Promotion BSc Primary Dental Healthcare

10 NHS Education for Scotland has a team of Tutors who are responsible for the education and development of all dental nurses. The following regional contacts can provide information on training and development opportunities for Dental Nurses in your area. Lead DCP Tutor/ Senior Dental Nurse Tutor Aberdeen Dental Education Centre Argyll House Foresterhill Cornhill Road Aberdeen AB25 2ZR T: F: E: adec@nes.scot.nhs.uk Lead DCP Tutor/ Senior Dental Nurse Tutor Dundee Dental Education Centre Frankland Building Smalls Wynd Perth Road Dundee DD1 4HN T: F: E: ddec.enquiries@nes.scot.nhs.uk Lead DCP Tutor/ Senior Dental Nurse Tutor West of Scotland Centre for Postgraduate Dental Education 1st Floor Clifton House Clifton Place Glasgow G3 7LD T: F: E: west.dental@nes.scot.nhs.uk Lead DCP Tutor NHS Education For Scotland Dental Dept The Centre for Health Science Old Perth Road Inverness IV2 3JH T: F: E: Teresa.Ross@nes.scot.nhs.uk Lead DCP Tutor/ Senior Dental Nurse Tutor Edinburgh Postgraduate Dental Institute Level 4, Lauriston Building Lauriston Place Edinburgh EH3 9HA T: F: E: edin.dental@nes.scot.nhs.uk

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12 NHS Education for Scotland Thistle House 91 Haymarket Terrace Edinburgh EH12 5HE Tel: Fax: Website: