Contact Us About Us
UK Career Advice

Dental Surgery Assistant: Key Skills, Qualifications and Career Path

Career Overview
Interview Questions

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.

How do I become 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.

What would you like to know?

What does it take to become an Dental Surgery Assistant?

Skills, education, personality, career progression

Job demand for an Dental Surgery Assistant

Job ads, popular location, season to apply



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

Dental Surgery Assistant
Dental Hygienist
Dentist
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Orthodontist
Endodontist
Periodontist
Prosthodontist
Pediatric Dentist
Oral Pathologist

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of a dental surgery assistant?

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.

What qualifications do you need to be a dentist assistant?

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.

Next: Interview Questions »