Why you should consider post-qualifications in Dental Nursing
We interviewed Jenny Jones, who has qualified in Dental Implant Nursing and Dental Radiography, on why dental nurses should register on post-qualification courses.
How does a dental nurse benefit from pursuing post-qualifications?
Pursuing a post-qualification means that you increase your scope of practice and are able to do more in surgery. You increase the knowledge and depth of your job and can follow alternative routes within dentistry.
A post-qualification helps you develop as an individual and offers opportunities for career progression.
Why did you decide to gain a qualification in Dental Implant Nursing?
Being part of the ICE Postgraduate Dental Institute and Hospital, all staff need to be trained to the highest level possible and stay up to date with new policies and procedures. As I am very interested in implant nursing, I felt the NEBDN Certificate in Dental Implant Nursing would naturally be the next step for me.
I would recommend studying for Implant nursing to anyone interested or currently working with implants and wishes to increase their scope of practice in the future.
The purpose-built working environment meant that I was fully mentored by trained dentists and dental nurses.”
What was the experience like?
Studying for this qualification at ICE, I was in an environment with experts and professors of dental implantology which was very helpful. The purpose-built working environment meant that I was fully mentored by trained dentists and dental nurses.
I particularly enjoyed the clinical days which are built into the course to help you complete all your required cases by the NEBDN.
Why did you decide to gain a qualification in Dental Radiography?
Working in a practice which routinely takes CBCT scans and OPGs it was required for me to gain this qualification. I would highly recommend this course to dental nurses that want to increase their scope of practice, as this qualification enables you to produce diagnostic images and work autonomously under the direction of a dentist.
A Dental Radiography qualification would be very appealing to your current practice and future employers as it a very well recognised qualification. Also, if you are thinking of becoming a hygienist this would be a very useful qualification.
What was the experience like?
The Dental Radiography course enabled me to be more confident in positioning and taking radiographs. We practiced numerous times on model heads until we felt confident to start our portfolio in our own practice. As the academic classes were only 5 days, this meant that I did not need to take too much time off work.
The course tutors were always happy to be contacted when we needed further support and all the course materials, we available to us electronically throughout the course. The other great thing was that the course is with the University of Salford’s Radiography department so it added a professional touch to the course.
Any final thoughts?
I would highly recommend post-qualifications to fellow dental nurses. It is important to do your research and figure out which course would be best for you and your practice.
To find out about all our dental nurses courses and entry requirements, please visit our courses page. Alternatively, please contact our programmes administrator, Carl Morgan:
carl.morgan@icedental.institute or call 0161 413 8335.
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