Dental nurse

In this role you could:

• sterilise instruments and pass them to the dentist
•  prepare materials to make fillings
•  remove water and saliva from the patient's mouth during treatment
•  make sure the patient is comfortable
•  tidy the surgery and keep records about each patient

• the ability to work well with others
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• sensitivity and understanding
• knowledge of medicine and dentistry
• customer service skills
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to work well with your hands
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

With experience you could:

• move into a team leader, manager or dental practice manager position
•  serve in the armed forces as a dental nurse
•  become a dental hygienist or dental therapist with further training
•  become an orthodontic therapist to help dentists improve the look and position of patient's teeth

You can find information in all areas of dental medicine from Health Careers.