Dental Nurse

As a Dental Nurse you work alongside dentists and dental specialists to prepare treatment rooms, assist during clinical procedures, and ensure patients feel comfortable throughout their visit. You pass instruments to the dentist during treatments, monitor patients for signs of anxiety or distress, and help take and process dental impressions. Administrative duties such as maintaining patient records, booking appointments, and ordering supplies are also a regular part of the role. You work closely with dentists, dental hygienists, and receptionists in a range of settings including private practices, HSE dental clinics, and orthodontic or specialist centres.

A QQI Level 5 Certificate in Dental Nursing or a Level 6 Advanced Certificate is the typical entry route, offered through PLC programmes in Colleges of Further Education and through dedicated programmes at institutions such as TCD and UCC. Leaving Certificate subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, and English are particularly useful, though specific subject requirements vary by provider. On completing your qualification, you must register with the Dental Council of Ireland before you can practise legally as a Dental Nurse. Some practitioners begin as unregistered dental assistants and complete their qualification part-time while gaining on-the-job experience. Continuing professional development (CPD) is required to maintain Dental Council registration throughout your career.