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LEARNING THE SKILLS
Dental Nurses are a valuable member of the dental team. This is an auxiliary profession, supporting members of the dental team in the delivery of dental treatment.
Main duties include infection control, chair-side assistance, preparation and maintenance of the dental surgery, and patient care. Skills required of students considering Dental Nursing should include the following: communication and organisation skills, the ability to use initiative, good manual dexterity, and be prepared to work closely providing support & assistance during the provision of dental treatment. The Dental Nurse may also be involved with the administration of the dental surgery.
There are two programmes available in the Republic of Ireland to train as a Dental Nurse:
1. Diploma in Dental Nursing Trinity College, Dublin
Duration Full time - 2 Years
Institution Dublin Dental School & Hospital
Practical experience is gained within the Dublin Dental School & Hospital & external
institutions, arranged by course tutor
Applications directly to Central Applications Office both Mature (23 years)
& School Leavers
Entrance Requirements:
School Leaver Leaving Certificate in 6 subjects (Four Ordinary levels & Two Grade
C3 or higher).
Mature Applicants Apply to Admissions Office,Trinity College & Central Applications
Office by the 1st February of year of application. If mature applicants are selected for an interview, acceptance is based on
performance at the interview.
2. National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland:
Course Award: Certificate of Dental Nursing awarded by Dublin Dental School &
Hospital, or Cork University Dental School and Hospital
Duration 1 Year Employed experience combined with evening lectures
Institution - Dublin Dental School & Hospital, Cork University Dental School &
Hospital & regional centres located in Carlow, Galway, Tralee and Waterford. Practical experience gained during candidates employment, supervised by
employing practitioner.
Entrance Requirements:
School Leaver (under 23 years of age) Leaving Certificate in 5 subjects at D3
(must be employed as Dental Nurse at time of application).
Mature (over 23 years of age) employed as Dental Nurse at time of application,
with minimum of 6 months experience. May be interviewed at discretion of course
tutor.
Both programmes will equip the students with the necessary knowledge to gain employment in general or speciality dental surgeries (i.e. oral surgery, orthodontics, endodontics).
Both of the above programmes meet the requirements for entry on the voluntary register with
the Dental Council of Ireland.
Who is suited for each programme?
DIPLOMA IN DENTAL NURSING TRINITY COLLEGE, DUBLIN
Aimed at students wishing to attend full time education. This programmes does not require students to have prior experience or employment history in Dental Nursing.
NATIONAL DENTAL NURSE TRAINING PROGRAMME OF IRELAND
Aimed at students employed as Dental Nurses, who wish to attend evening training to gain a formal Dental Nursing qualification. Employing practitioners must support students wishing to enter this programme, as they are essential in the delivery of the practical training.
GETTING THE JOB:
Employment prospects for qualified Dental Nurses are currently above average in the Republic of Ireland. Dental Nurses may choose to be employed in a variety of working environments, including General Dental Surgeries, Dental Hospitals, Health Service Executive Dental Clinics, Specialist surgeries, & general hospitals with dental theatre settings (may require post qualifications) & clerical positions.
MOVING UP
Depending on the work setting, advancement in the field may include: senior dental nurse, clinic nurse manager, nurse tutor, practice management, marketing, representatives for relevant companies, and oral health promotion.
MOVING ON
Post qualifications available for Dental Nursing include: sedation, radiography, oral health promotion and education qualifications.
Please contact the Dental Nurse Tutor in each relevant institution for more detailed prospectus and application information.
Addresses:
IDNA www.idna-ireland.com / 087 676 7500
DDSH Lincoln Place, Dublin 2 / 01 612 7315
Dental Council Merrion Square, Dublin 2 / 01 676 2069
Diploma in Nursing Ms. Helen Phipps 01 612 7238
National Dental Nurse Training Programme of Ireland Ms. Carmen Sheridan 01 612 7341
APPROX. SALARY APPROX. 21,000 36,037
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