Dental nursing is a challenging yet satisfying career suited to people who are attracted to working with the general public in an oral healthcare setting. Under the supervision of a dentist, they perform a variety of tasks depending on experience and qualifications. Your level 1 assistant also known as a “chair side” dental assistant will prepare the room and seat patients. 

The most common duties include:

·         Meeting and greeting patients at reception

·         Sterilising instruments and the clinical area

·         Preparing materials and cements

·         Pouring and trimming cast models

·         Charting information and the quadrants of the teeth

·         Assisting the dentist with a wide variety of procedures

·         Provide patients with oral health advice to maintain post-operative procedures

Level 2 dental assistants also known as intra-oral dental assistants receive further training. Whilst they still work under the supervision of the dentist, their training allows them to perform level 1 and level 2 duties.

·         Dental radiography: X-Rays  to identify hidden dental structures

·         Taking impressions of the teeth for study models

·         Mixing and applying dental restoration material

·         Place and remove rubber dams

·         Apply topical anti-cariogenic agents

·         Prepare the surface of the teeth for pit and fissure sealants materials

·         Apply anaesthetic and desensitizing agents

Which career opportunity is right for you?

Are you the type of person who enjoys the social aspect of a dental practice? As a level 1 assistant you will be the face and voice of the practice. Meeting and greeting patients and attending to enquires. Your friendly, approachable personality and dedication to patient care will make you a valuable addition to the team. A mature and professional manner and good grooming are also excellent qualities.

Dental assistants trained in reception, administration and patient services opens the door to other opportunities. Practice management is an excellent career choice if you are a person who enjoys the benefits of extra responsibility. This is not a 9-5pm job; you will be hard working and a natural leader who is able to work autonomously. You are organised, diligent and professional. Practice managers will have already completed intra-oral training and are prepared to jump in on procedures when required.  Some of your duties will include: patient bookings, maintaining patient records and liaising with dental representatives for purchases and stock control. You are the main point of contact and the dentist will rely on you to maintain an efficient recall system.

If you enjoy direct involvement with procedures then intra-oral dentistry is right for you. While salary increases with experience, intra-oral dental assistants are often paid a slightly higher rate. Level 2 nurses tend to find their career path by working in a variety of specialist practices. Periodontal dentistry has become an increasingly popular choice as advancement in technology and the latest techniques for diagnosis and cosmetic procedures continues to make incredible strides. Overtime perio procedures have become increasingly difficult as cases become more and more complex. Therefore, it is a highly advantageous career choice if you enjoy a fast paced environment and do not mind implant sessions that can turn bloody!

When making your career choice, think about the advantages and of course the disadvantages to ensure you make a well informed decision. When you find your preference, there are plenty of opportunities to broaden your scope and plenty of jobs to meet an oversupply of dentist in Australia. Education and training is essential however the majority of your technique and skill will be taught in the practice. Learn as much as possible from a trained dentist and if you take a liking to a specific area of dentistry ensure you further your education with the appropriate qualification.

Career opportunities

ü  Dental Nursing

ü  Practice Manager

ü  Dental hygienist

ü  Dental sales representative

ü  Dental recruitment consultant

ü  Specialist dentistry and locum dentistry

Due to a high demand for dental temp nurses in Australia, Dentaide recruitment consultants specialise in employing level 1 & 2 dental nurses on a casual basis. Casual dental nursing jobs in Melbourne, has become a popular choice among new and old faces to dentistry. Having the freedom and flexibility to work when you want in a variety of dental specialties is the main motivator. Contact a Dentaide consultant today to take the next step in your dental nursing career!