Dental Nursing

The dental nurse plays an important role in the organisation and management of the dental practice, assists the dentist, dental hygienist, dental therapist, dental technician in all aspects of patient treatment and care from check-ups to carrying out patients through operations.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Infection control
• Chair-side assistance
• Making appointments
• Passing instruments to the dentist or hygienist
• Sterilising instruments, preparation and maintenance of the dental surgery
• Maintaining record information about each patient
• Taking payments, and reassuring patients. 

Dental Nurses can be employed in a variety of working environments, include

General dental surgeries | Dental Hospitals | Health service executive dental clinics | Specialist surgeries | General hospitals with dental theatre settings | Clerical positions | Armed forces

Opportunities for the Dental Nurse include

Senior dental nurse | Clinic nurse manager | Nurse tutor | Representatives | Oral health promoters