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Working Abroad Job Vacancies Job Hunting Guide Voluntary Work Working Part-time and Temping Useful Job Hunting Resources Working in Somerset Wages and Employment Rights Dental Nurses in Somerset CLCI: JAF CRCI: JC Dental nurses help the dentist. Duties include mixing compounds, assisting at the chair side, comforting patients, record keeping, administration, sterilisation of instruments and disposal of waste. The majority of dental nurses work in dental practices. There are also opportunities in hospitals, the armed forces and community clinics. To find out more look under the above CLCI/CRCI headings in your careers or Connexions library. THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT DENTAL NURSES IN SOMERSET It is estimated that over 500 people work in dental practices in Somerset. There are dental practices through out the county in large and small towns. Many businesses just have one branch but others have several practices in different parts of the county. Some practices concentrate on taking private patients. Others work as part of the National Health Service (NHS). Many local practices employ 6-10 people. Larger practices may have 20-25 employees. HOW DO I GET STARTED?   Get work experience when at school to see if it’s the career for you   Go to college/sixth-form full-time to gain extra qualifications and start when you are a bit older   Start as a trainee – or apprentice and go to college as part of your job (this is the most common way) USEFUL QUALIFICIATIONS   Good GCSEs in maths, English and science subject often useful   Vocational A Level, BTEC and GNVQ health and social care qualifications sometimes help (but are not essential)   NEBDN certificates and NVQs in dental nursing (done as part of your training) More about qualifications, courses and training can be found in Moving On (published by Connexions Somerset) DO YOU KNOW? In some towns there have been shortages of NHS dental practices. When a new one opens people flock to sign up and business can be incredibly busy WHAT IS THE PAY LIKE? Around £80 per week (maybe more) if starting as a new employed trainee or apprentice. Once trained earnings can range between £9,000 and £13,000 a year (the average being arounf £225-250 per week) FINDING A JOB   Connexions centres   Job centres   Through applying for work apprenticeships   School and college careers notice boards   Speculative letters/visits/emails   Newspaper and industry publications adverts   Adverts displayed at premises and on industry/company websites   Job offer after work experience   Word of mouth   A Guide to Job Hunting gives tips on CVs, interviews and job letters. To view click here OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS WORK   People skills are important. You’ll need a good chair side manner and the ability to communicate with patients of all ages (from children to the elderly)   Appearance is vital. You should look clean and neat for work   It’s quite tiring because you’ll be on your feet most of the day   IT skills are useful because patient records are kept on databases   Practical skills and knowledge are essential when helping with x-rays and using equipment   In some practices you may have to help with reception duties   Good hand and eye co-ordination is needed for handling instruments and preparing compounds   Health and safety is important (especially because of the risk of infection)   Other dental jobs include dental hygienist, dental therapist and dental technician WHO DOES THE WORK? Jenny (26) works in a dental practice in Bridgwater. Jenny has done this type of work since she left school and is now a very experienced member of staff. She is looking to move soon from dental nursing into managing a dental practice on behalf of a team of dentists John (17), from Frome, is an apprentice in a dental practice. He’s still training and, up to now, has mainly been helping out on reception and assisting the practice’s dental nurses. John is aims to finish his NVQ course, become a registered dental nurse and later train as a dental hygienist More Info: A-Z careers Careers information dates rapidly. Every effort has been made to ensure information is accurate but please check details before making firm decisions. Make text larger Make text smaller Text Only Display Privacy Policy/Terms of Use