Jobs as a dental nurse can be found in a dentist’s office or a physician’s office. Many full-time dental nurse jobs are available, but part-time dental nurse jobs are also common, and it is not uncommon for a dental nurse to work multiple jobs. Dental nursing jobs primarily involve assisting a dentist during various procedures in the dentist’s office, but some dental nurses also work in hospitals, prisons, or the military.
Dental nursing jobs in the United Kingdom do not always require a formal degree. Nurses must be experienced and registered with the General Dental Council (GDC), which sets high standards for all dental professionals, for the majority of jobs. Dental nurses must show proof of completion of training at an approved institution in order to become registered members of the GDC.
Dental assistants and dental hygienists are examples of dental nursing jobs in the United States. Dental assistant jobs entail performing a variety of tasks that benefit both the dentist and the dentist’s patient. Organizing and sterilizing instruments used in patient care procedures, handing instruments to a dentist during a procedure, working to ensure a patient’s comfort, maintaining accurate patient records, and providing detailed self-care instructions to patients following surgery or other procedures are just a few of the responsibilities. Some dental nursing assistants in the United States have not received formal training but have benefited from on-the-job training, though many have chosen to receive specialized training from an accredited school before applying for work.
A dental hygienist’s job in the United States differs from that of a dental assistant in that dental hygienists must be trained and licensed in the state where they will work. Oral examinations are performed dental hygienists who use tools for cleaning, assessing, and photographing the teeth. These types of dental nurse jobs also allow hygienists to administer anesthesia to patients prior to oral surgery in some states.
Dental nursing jobs outside of a traditional dentist’s office typically entail the same responsibilities as dental nurses, assistants, and hygienists. However, the primary difference between dental nursing jobs available elsewhere is the actual work location. Some of these positions may be available in more institutional settings, such as prisons or large hospitals, while others may require nurses to work in the military.