Dental Nurse

First-class training helps you become a Dental Nurse. It’s much like being the civilian job, but with added excitement, travel, sports and career development.

• £26,334 The minimum amount you’ll earn during training
• £35,059 Your pay after completing basic trade training
• Age From 17 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months

My role as an Army Dental Nurse is really rewarding.

I never thought I’d have so many opportunities to develop my skills.

You don’t just find us in the UK. We go anywhere in the world that we are needed.

As a Dental Nurse you’ll play your part in keeping soldiers well so that they can do their jobs. You’ll care for patients, prepare equipment and sterilise instruments. You’ll also move practices every few years and be a highly skilled soldier.

You don’t need qualifications when you join – we’ll train you and help you work towards a Diploma in Dental Nursing, but if you’re already a registered Dental Nurse we want to hear from you too. Work hard and you could become a Dental Practice Manager.

There are many other roles and qualifications available, too, plus a pension, sports and Adventurous Training.

The Royal Army Medical Service (RAMS) has taken care of the Army’s dental health for more than a century and continues to provide high‑quality dental care to the Army both in barracks and on operations. Wherever in the world the Army operates, you will find the Dental Officers and Dental Nurses of the RAMS.

Earn a competitive salary and non‑contributory pension

Get fully funded Continuing Professional Development opportunities

Progress to Dental Practice Manager

Take on challenges, make new friends, and enjoy Adventurous Training and sport

Join as a qualified dental nurse or train as a dental nurse through the Army

From 17 years & 6 months to 35 years & 6 months

QUALIFIED:

Qualified dental nurse with active registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).

STUDENT:

2x GCSEs, or equivalent, grade A-C/9-4 including English Language.

Step 1 Initial basic military training teaches you how to be a soldier. This course covers everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. This course takes place at either Pirbright in Surrey or Winchester, Hampshire.

Step 2 You study dental nursing at Defence Medical Services (DMS) Whittington in Lichfield for 15 weeks. The course covers anatomy, physiology, surgery and infection control. You also learn to prepare dental materials, give advice on disease prevention and process X‑rays. It all prepares you to sit your National Diploma in Dental Nursing exam, a recognised civilian qualification. If you are already a registered Dental Nurse, you will complete a one‑day transitioning course at DMS Whittington.

National Diploma in Dental Nursing

All Army Dental Nurses have the opportunity to gain certificates in fluoride application, impression taking, practice management to name a few.

You’ll earn £25,200 a year from the start of your training, which will go up as you progress throughout your career.

Be part of a highly skilled medical team that could be posted anywhere in the world. Be active, enjoy great rewards and make friends for life.

Provide general and specialist nursing care to soldiers and civilians while working in a range of locations. This role allows you to join either as a soldier or an officer, when you’re fully trained or while you’re a student nurse.