Dental Nurses
A Dental Nurse is a member of the dental teams who provides support in the delivery of dental care to patients. Dental Nurses have a wide range of responsibilities from providing direct chairside support to dentists during treatment of patients to undertaking decontamination duties that ensure that the care is delivered in a safe environment. Dental Nurses have a range of opportunities, through additional qualifications to specialise in their role. These additional qualifications enable Dental Nurses to become Extended-duties Dental Nurses.
Dental Nurses require to be GDC registered with the minimum registrable qualification at SCQF Level 7. Qualifications include the Scottish Vocational Qualification & Professional Development Award in Dental Nursing, awarded by Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA), a Certificate in Higher Education and the Diploma in Dental Nursing awarded by the National Examination Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN).
Dental nurse education is delivered in a range of ways including the Modern Apprenticeship.