Students who study Dental Nursing at university typically go on to work as Registered Dental Nurses, assisting dentists and other dental professionals in providing patient care.
Career Paths After Dental Nursing
Most graduates work in general dental practices, but career progression can lead to roles in specialised areas such as:
- General Dental Nurse – Supporting dentists in routine procedures, preparing instruments, and providing patient care.
- Specialist Dental Nurse – Assisting in oral surgery, orthodontics, implantology, or cosmetic dentistry.
- Hospital Dental Nurse – Working in NHS or private hospitals, supporting maxillofacial or paediatric dental teams.
- Community Dental Nurse – Providing care to vulnerable groups such as children, elderly patients, or those with disabilities.
- Dental Nurse Tutor/Assessor – Teaching and training future dental nurses.
- Practice Manager – Overseeing the daily operations of a dental practice, including staffing and compliance.
- Dental Sales Representative – Working for dental product companies, selling equipment and materials.
Further Training & Career Progression
Many Dental Nurses progress into advanced roles with additional qualifications, such as:
- Oral Health Educator – Teaching patients about dental hygiene.
- Dental Radiographer – Taking X-rays and imaging for diagnosis.
- Sedation Nurse – Assisting in procedures requiring conscious sedation.
- Hygienist or Therapist – With further study, Dental Nurses can train to become Dental Hygienists or Dental Therapists, allowing them to carry out some treatments independently.
Salary Expectations
- Entry-level Dental Nurse: £20,000 – £25,000 per year
- Experienced Dental Nurse: £25,000 – £35,000 per year
- Specialist or Senior Roles: £30,000 – £40,000+
- Dental Hygienist/Therapist (after further study): £35,000 – £50,000+
Dental Nursing offers job security, opportunities for career growth, and further specialisation in various areas of dentistry.
1. Career Progression & Further Training Opportunities
a) Advanced Dental Nursing Specialties
After qualifying as a Registered Dental Nurse, further training can lead to specialised roles:
Oral Health Educator
- Teaches patients about good oral hygiene practices and preventative care.
- Works in schools, community health programmes, and dental practices.
- Requires a Certificate in Oral Health Education (e.g., from the NEBDN).
✅ Salary: £25,000 – £30,000
Dental Radiographer
- Trained to take X-rays and scans to assist with diagnosis.
- Requires a Certificate in Dental Radiography (NEBDN or equivalent).
✅ Salary: £25,000 – £35,000
Sedation Dental Nurse
- Assists in procedures where patients receive conscious sedation.
- Requires a Certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing.
- Often needed in oral surgery, implantology, and hospital settings.
✅ Salary: £27,000 – £35,000
Orthodontic Dental Nurse
- Works alongside orthodontists to fit and adjust braces.
- Requires a Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing.
- Often employed in specialist orthodontic practices or hospitals.
✅ Salary: £25,000 – £35,000
b) Moving into Dental Hygiene or Dental Therapy
With further study, a Dental Nurse can qualify as a:
Dental Hygienist
- Focuses on preventative care, such as scaling, polishing, and educating patients on oral health.
- Requires a Diploma or Degree in Dental Hygiene (usually 2-3 years of further study).
✅ Salary: £35,000 – £50,000+
Dental Therapist
- Performs more advanced treatments, including fillings, simple extractions, and paediatric dentistry.
- Requires a Diploma or Degree in Dental Therapy (3 years full-time study).
✅ Salary: £40,000 – £55,000+
c) Alternative Career Paths Beyond Clinical Roles
Dental Practice Manager
- Oversees the daily operations of a dental clinic, including staff management and compliance with GDC/CQC regulations.
- A Dental Nursing background helps with understanding patient care and dental industry standards.
✅ Salary: £30,000 – £45,000+
Dental Nurse Tutor / Assessor
- Trains and assesses student dental nurses in universities or colleges.
- Requires a Level 3 Award in Education & Training (AET) or equivalent teaching qualification.
✅ Salary: £30,000 – £40,000
Dental Sales Representative
- Works for dental product companies selling equipment, materials, and technology.
- Suitable for those with good communication and sales skills.
✅ Salary: £30,000 – £50,000 (often includes commission-based earnings)
2. Salary Expectations Based on Role & Experience
| Role | Entry Salary (£) | Experienced (£) |
|---|---|---|
| General Dental Nurse | £20,000 – £25,000 | £25,000 – £30,000 |
| Specialist Dental Nurse (e.g., Radiography, Sedation) | £25,000 – £30,000 | £30,000 – £40,000 |
| Oral Health Educator | £25,000 – £30,000 | £30,000 – £35,000 |
| Practice Manager | £30,000 – £35,000 | £40,000 – £50,000+ |
| Dental Hygienist | £35,000 – £45,000 | £45,000 – £55,000+ |
| Dental Therapist | £40,000 – £50,000 | £50,000 – £60,000+ |
Self-employed dental hygienists and therapists can earn significantly more depending on their patient base and location.
3. Where Dental Nurses Work
Dental Nurses have a wide range of employment opportunities in different sectors:
a) General Dental Practices
- Most dental nurses work in private or NHS practices, assisting dentists in routine treatments and patient care.
b) NHS & Private Hospitals
- Hospital-based dental nurses assist in complex oral surgeries, maxillofacial procedures, and trauma cases.
c) Community Dental Services
- These roles involve working with children, elderly patients, or those with additional needs who struggle to access routine dental care.
d) Armed Forces & Prisons
- The British Army, RAF, and Royal Navy employ Dental Nurses to support military personnel.
- Prison services require Dental Nurses to provide care for inmates in correctional facilities.
e) Dental Research & Education
- Opportunities exist in dental schools and universities to assist in training future dentists and dental nurses.
4. How to Progress Your Career in Dental Nursing
✅ Step 1: Gain GDC Registration
- You must complete a GDC-approved Dental Nursing qualification and register with the General Dental Council (GDC).
✅ Step 2: Gain Experience in General Practice
- Working in a general dental clinic allows you to develop core skills before specialising.
✅ Step 3: Take Further Qualifications
- Decide on a specialisation (e.g., radiography, sedation, orthodontics) and complete relevant certificates.
✅ Step 4: Consider Career Progression or Further Study
- Move into hygiene/therapy, management, education, or sales depending on your interests.
Final Thoughts
A degree in Dental Nursing offers a wide range of career opportunities, from hands-on clinical roles to education, research, and management. With further training, dental nurses can advance into specialist roles, higher-paying jobs, and leadership positions.
Choosing the Correct Pathway
The units listed below include 15 ungraded and 45 graded credits at Level 3, enabling you to apply to university for a Dental Nursing course. Most UK universities accept the Access to Higher Education Diploma; however, we recommend checking the entry requirements on the undergraduate course webpage of your chosen institution.
For more details about the Access to HE (Health Science Professions) Biology Pathway, click HERE.
If the units do not match the University entry requirement we may be able to tailor a custom course with 60 credits to make a Level 3 Diploma.
