Check your dental nurse CV against the job advert
Dental nurse adverts check registration first, then experience at the chair and around the surgery. Here's how to put each one where the practice manager looks.
Start with your advert
Every dental nurse advert is different. The list below is what adverts for this job usually ask for, not what yours does. So start with your advert:
- Read the advert and copy out every "must have" or "essential" line, then the "desirable" ones.
- For each one, find the line in your CV that proves it. If you can't point to a line, that's a gap.
- Fill the gap with something true: a duty, a setting, a qualification or a result you really have. If you don't have it, say what you have that's closest, or leave it out.
Our guide to matching your CV to a job description goes through this in more detail.
What dental nurse adverts usually ask for
GDC registration or a trainee place
Why they askQualified dental nurses must be registered with the General Dental Council (GDC). Trainee roles ask that you're enrolled on, or willing to start, a recognised course.
How to show itPut your registration and qualification at the top. If you're a trainee, name the course and your expected finish date.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- GDC registered dental nurse; [qualification name], [year].
- Trainee dental nurse on [course name], due to qualify [month year].
Chairside assisting
Why they askThe core of the job is supporting the dentist during treatment.
How to show itSay which treatments you've assisted with and the type of practice (NHS, private, mixed, specialist).
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Assisted with [check-ups, fillings, extractions, root canal treatment] in a [type of] practice.
Decontamination and infection control
Why they askCleaning and sterilising instruments to the right standard is essential and often listed in adverts.
How to show itDescribe the decontamination work you do and the standards you follow.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Ran instrument decontamination following [HTM 01-05 or the practice's procedures], including [washer-disinfector / autoclave] checks.
Practice software and reception cover
Why they askMany practices want nurses who can update records and help on reception.
How to show itName the software and any reception tasks.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Updated patient records in [dental software]; covered reception, booking appointments and taking payments.
Extra skills and CPD
Why they askAdditional qualifications such as radiography, oral health education or impression taking make you more useful.
How to show itList them with dates, and mention that your CPD is up to date.
Example lines: fill the gaps with your own facts- Certificate in [dental radiography / oral health education], [year]; CPD up to date.
Only use a line if it's true for you. Swap each [gap] for your own detail: the setting, the number, the tool or the result. If you can't fill a gap honestly, cut that part of the line.
Mistakes that cost dental nurse applications
- Not stating GDC registration clearly.
- Listing treatments without the type of practice.
- Leaving out decontamination, which every practice cares about.
Questions
Can I be a dental nurse without qualifications?
You can start as a trainee dental nurse, usually while studying for a recognised qualification. You'll need to register with the GDC once qualified.