Dental Surgery Assistant: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path
Learn about the key skills, qualifications, and career path for a Dental Surgery Assistant
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Practice Now »What is a Dental Surgery Assistant?
As a Dental Surgery Assistant in the UK, you'll work closely with dentists during patient examinations and procedures, ensuring all instruments are sterilised and ready for use. Additionally, you'll be responsible for keeping detailed patient records and making sure they feel comfortable throughout their visit.
Skills
- Knowledge of dental procedures and terminology
- Ability to assist with patient care and comfort
- Proficiency in sterilization and infection control procedures
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy in record keeping
- Ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Basic computer skills for record keeping and scheduling
- Physical dexterity and hand-eye coordination for handling instruments and equipment
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing tasks and priorities
- Professionalism and adherence to ethical standards in patient care
Qualifications & Education
- Entry with GCSEs/S grades is most common
- Training is available both off- and on-the-job
- Most entrants work towards the National Certificate for Dental Nurses
Career Path
Frequently Asked Questions
The role of a dental surgery assistant in the UK is to prepare patients and operatories for dental procedures, expose digital radiographs and film, perform x-ray processing, transfer instruments during procedures, and provide better visibility for dentists by using suction and other equipment.
To become a dental surgery assistant in the UK, you do not need any specific qualifications. However, having excellent communication skills, a friendly disposition, good interpersonal skills, organizational and time management skills, as well as empathy and compassion are important qualities for the job.
Identify your strengths and weakness in a realistic Dental Surgery Assistant mock interview, under 10 minutes
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