Higher Certificate in Dental Nursing

Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest

This course will give you the clinical competence to work as a dental nurse. Students with an interest in teamwork and communication will be supported to assist within a dental team. The dental nursing student will participate in dental placement enabling students to communicate, demonstrate clinical skills, administration duties and problem solve within their scope of practice under the supervision of a registered dentist. Dental nurses play an essential role in the dental practice. They assist the dentist during dental procedures. Their duties include:Preparing the surgery and assisting at chairside during dental procedures.Infection, Prevention and control procedures including decontamination of dental instruments, equipment and dental surgeries.Recording dental charting, maintaining treatment records and assisting with developing dental radiographs.Liaising and supporting patients and dental colleagues in the case of a medical emergency and delivering appropriate oral health promotion advice.They may also be responsible for administrative duties, such as making appointments and bookkeeping. Employment opportunities include private dental practice, dental hospitals, and the public sector (HSE).

Faculty of Sciences, Health and Technology