How do I become a Dental Nurse?

Dental nursing is a profession within oral health services. A dental nurse supports other dental professionals in delivering high quality, patient-centred oral healthcare. Dental Departments are responsible for oral health assessments, oral health promotion, dental treatment services, and  orthodontics.

Entry routes to becoming a dental nurse:

Undergraduate Courses

Traineeship Courses:

Additional information can be found on the Career Portal

The Dental Council of Ireland (DCI) maintains a register of dental nurses. Registration is not mandatory as dental nursing is not yet regulated in Ireland.

If you hold a UK qualification in dental nursing, click here for additional information.

Woman Dentist Nurse with Patient and Dentist

Your role with the HSE

As a Dental Nurse within the HSE, you will support a team of Dental Surgeons, Orthodontists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Nurses and clerical staff across a full range of dental treatments.

The role includes providing support with:

  • Providing safe and efficient patient care
  • Infection prevention and control
  • Chair-side assistance during procedures
  • Clerical and administrative tasks within the dental clinic
  • Dental radiography (if qualified)
  • Assist at general anaesthetic theatres if required
  • Provide education and information to the patient

Dental nurses are a valuable member of the dental team that requires communication and organisation skills, the ability to use initiative, good manual dexterity and be prepared to work closely providing support and assistance during the provision of dental treatment.

Dental Nurse helping while Little Boy is inspected by dentist

Career Progression

Within the HSE, there are great opportunities for career advancement and continuous professional development is available, encouraged and supported.

 Clinical Pathway:

  • Dental Nurse
  • Dental Nurse with Radiography
  • Dental Nurse, Senior

Further training is required for Dental Nurse (Involved in the taking of Radiography)

Smiling,Dentist Nurse In Hospital

Further training and development

The Irish Dental Nurses Association (IDNA)  is a voluntary organisation dedicated to promoting, educating and developing the dental nursing profession in Ireland.  For more information on learning and development please visit the IDNA website.

HSeLanD is the Irish Health Service’s national online learning and development portal.  They offers an array of training opportunities for HSE staff to develop new skills and knowledge.  These courses are delivered online or in a classroom style setting. Information on accessing courses and resources can be found on their website www.hseland.ie.

Other examples of professional development activities include access to excellent HSE library services, further training and educational opportunities, attendance at conferences, webinars and workshops, engaging in mentoring and supervision, keeping up with the latest healthcare information through specialised newsletters, blogs, and podcasts.

Dental Nurse

Staff benefits and testimonials

Working in a rewarding and challenging career is just one of the many benefits you’ll enjoy as a HSE employee. We offer attractive pay and benefits, professional supervision, career support and development opportunities, supportive colleagues, and an excellent quality of life.

See Pay scales – HSE Staff

Staff Testimonials coming soon.

To ensure that you are informed of all vacancies please register on the HSE Career Hub for weekly job alerts.