Usually a Dental Nurse operates within a Dental Practice, which includes a surgery for procedures, a waiting room, an office for admin and perhaps other rooms reserved for procedures such as X-rays. Alternatively, Dental Nurses may work within hospitals, army clinics, mobile clinics, care homes or patients’ own homes in the case of community schemes.
Hours worked by Dental Nurses are typically 8am or 9am to 5pm or 7pm. Emergency clinics stay open later and there are 24 hour dental clinics.
Due to sharp dental instruments, specialised equipment and the risk of infection, there are some dangers in the workplace. Official guidelines must be adhered to in order to minimise these.
A Dental Nurse’s job is typically stressful due to the range of tasks and roles they must perform. There is pressure to perform efficiently and always with regard to the patient’s emotional wellbeing. Much of the day is spent on one’s feet so the job can be physically demanding as well as emotionally. Being a Dental Nurse is not a job for the lazy but would suit individuals motivated by challenge and the chance to really help people where needed.
There are no set guidelines for a Dental Nurses’ salary. Salary is whatever the practice in question decides to pay and so can differ widely, although it is linked to the location of the practice and level of experience. Here are some typical salaries.
At entry level Dental Nurse’s pay starts at the minimum wage, around £14,000 per annum.
An experienced Dental Nurse can earn £17,000 to £20,000 per annum.
A senior Dental Nurse may earn up to £26,000 (or more depending on the surgery) per annum.
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