Dental Nurse Courses in Connaught??

CrazyMel

Dont know if this is in the right section r not i do apolgise if its in the wrong section

I just want to know if anyone wud be able 2 help me, I was a Conveyance Legal Secretary for over two years but as the property market has slumped I was made redundant from two Solicitors last year and have since been unable to find work.

So i decided the last day while getting me teeth done (lol) that I'd like to become a dental nurse as sure everyone needs their teeth done at some point so it would probably guarantee me a secure job for life. Thought bout childcare but not that good with kids ha

All i can see on the net is courses in Dublin & Cork. Is there any in the Western side of Ireland i.e. Connaught?

After reading another bulletin bout dental nurses a lot of ppl are saying that its **** pay, but sure if yer at it for 10 years ya be on good enough pay, like every job ya have to start at the bottom right?

Also can you go from been a dental nurse up to a dentist? Cheers if anyone can help me.

davo10

Dental nurse course in Athlone RTC, you cannot go from nurse to dentist unless you have a science degree but you can go from qualified nurse to hygienist.

CrazyMel

Hey, thanks for your response. I got the link for Athlone Rtc, I did not know that you had 2 have done Science in yer school years 2 become a dental nurse. I didnt do Science and now im kinda stuck what 2 do, any other help wud be apprieciated.

gccorcaigh

To be honest, there arent many dental nursing jobs going at the moment. A few years ago, there were always jobs being advertised, but with the recession etc, its not like that anymore. Also, the Dental Nurse course in Athlone isnt the best one to do, as they have no clinical training there. They get work experience, but aside from that, they learn everything from books. I worked with a girl once who had just qualified from the Athlone course, and she knew all the theory, but not how to put it into practice, so she found it very difficult to actually do the job out in the real world, so to speak. The UCC and Trinity courses are run in the dental hospitals, so they are much better, as you practice everything as you are learning it.
As regards doing dentistry after the dental nursing course, you can apply as a mature student, but its very difficult to get in. You would definitely need to have achieved a high grade in higher level Leaving Cert Biology, Chemistry or Physics. C1 at the very least. Plus you would really have to have studied two science subjects for leaving cert. They would also probably expect you to have a diploma or a degree in a science subject too. Maybe you could do an evening course in Biology or Chemistry?.

coylemj

OP, based on your original question (can you go from been a dental nurse up to a dentist?) I think you may not be aware that becoming a dentist involves pretty much the same level of study and duration as becoming a medical doctor. You might as well ask if you can go from being a nurse to being a doctor, it's not like you can do a diploma, then do another couple of years to upgrade to a degree as you can with lots of other disciplines.

CrazyMel

What id really like to know is if I was to apply for a dental (nurse) course, would I need to have a backround in science?

gccorcaigh

Well it definitely helps to have done some science...the dental nursing course to be fair, isnt difficult. Anyone who has done higher level leaving cert biology would find it quite easy, as it isnt really much more advanced than that. As for other dental courses, such as Hygiene and Dentistry, there is so much competition to get into those courses, that you really wouldn't have much of a chance of getting in without a scientific background. Now, of course, your age does make a difference. I know that mature students (over 23's) are exempt from certain entry requirements.
You would probably get into the dental nursing course as long as you have a decent leaving cert. As for dentistry, without some sort of third level qualification, your chances would be slim to none. Qualified Hygienists do stand a good chance of getting into Dentistry as the Hygiene course is more advanced these days.Anyone applying for hygiene would have to have the dental nursing qualification, a good leaving cert, and a few years experience in a dental surgery.

tanyaog2007

check ot DIFE i know its not in the weswt but its only a year and u do placment one day a week

megstak

im filling in my cao now and im just turned 18.. dental nursing is in der quite at the top ... im intersested but have applied for a diffrent route through marnio ists a course in dub im called for an inteview and rely dont no wha to expect its comming up soon and im kind of freekin out ... cud do wit a bit of advice if anyone is up for it ... i hear ur doin dental nursing can u tel me any thing bout it like wha qualities should have and all i want to no if im suited to it ... would relay help while ye ar all on the subject of denatl nursing...would rely help

btkm8unsl0w5r4

megstak wrote: »

im filling in my cao now and im just turned 18.. dental nursing is in der quite at the top ... im intersested but have applied for a diffrent route through marnio ists a course in dub im called for an inteview and rely dont no wha to expect its comming up soon and im kind of freekin out ... cud do wit a bit of advice if anyone is up for it ... i hear ur doin dental nursing can u tel me any thing bout it like wha qualities should have and all i want to no if im suited to it ... would relay help while ye ar all on the subject of denatl nursing...would rely help

Have someone proof read your application form.

day dreamer

Hi Mel

You can also start as a dental nurse unqualified and then do a couse at night. The starting salary would be lower. The course is by videolink to the Dublin Dental Hospital, you would have assignments and one or two stints in the Dental Hospital. Most of the practical stuff you would learn as you worked.

It is kind of the opposite to the Athlone course whre they get all the theory and none of the experience. In my opinion it is much better to get the practical experience.

The starting salary would not be too high, while you would have secure employment after a year, it take stime to work up in salary.

Bicycle

megstak wrote: »

im filling in my cao now and im just turned 18.. dental nursing is in der quite at the top ... im intersested but have applied for a diffrent route through marnio ists a course in dub im called for an inteview and rely dont no wha to expect its comming up soon and im kind of freekin out ... cud do wit a bit of advice if anyone is up for it ... i hear ur doin dental nursing can u tel me any thing bout it like wha qualities should have and all i want to no if im suited to it ... would relay help while ye ar all on the subject of denatl nursing...would rely help

The closing date for submission of CAO forms was February 1st. Today is March 1st.

megstak

wel i obv hav it submited.....i hav tym t change it even up t after my leavin it jst opens on certain dates ???? i had dis post written a while bac jst never posted it here i jst copied and pasted it ??

btkm8unsl0w5r4

megstak wrote: »

wel i obv hav it submited.....i hav tym t change it even up t after my leavin it jst opens on certain dates ???? i had dis post written a while bac jst never posted it here i jst copied and pasted it ??

Are you drunk? Please type properly Text speak is not for forum use (ever). Also do us a favor if you want replies and don't just copy and paste an illegible post, if you cant be bothered why would anyone else.

The quality you should have as a dental nurse would be:
1. Good communication
2. Attention to detail.
3. Good record taking and keeping.
4. Good time keeping.
5. Good with people.
6. Ability to carry out repetitive tasks without complaint (dentist need this too)
7.Not afraid of blood. Saliva etc.
8. Empathy for people.
9. Ability to learn manual skills quickly.
10. Ability to listen and take instruction.
11. Reasonable computer and typing skills.
12. Good organizational skills.

CrazyMel

Morgan Wooden Widower wrote: »

Are you drunk? Please type properly Text speak is not for forum use (ever). Also do us a favor if you want replies and don't just copy and paste an illegible post, if you cant be bothered why would anyone else.

The quality you should have as a dental nurse would be:
1. Good communication
2. Attention to detail.
3. Good record taking and keeping.
4. Good time keeping.
5. Good with people.
6. Ability to carry out repetitive tasks without complaint (dentist need this too)
7.Not afraid of blood. Saliva etc.
8. Empathy for people.
9. Ability to learn manual skills quickly.
10. Ability to listen and take instruction.
11. Reasonable computer and typing skills.
12. Good organizational skills.

What he said

Ya do have 2 have a science (mandatory) to do it also

CrazyMel

day dreamer wrote: »

Hi Mel

You can also start as a dental nurse unqualified and then do a couse at night. The starting salary would be lower. The course is by videolink to the Dublin Dental Hospital, you would have assignments and one or two stints in the Dental Hospital. Most of the practical stuff you would learn as you worked.

It is kind of the opposite to the Athlone course whre they get all the theory and none of the experience. In my opinion it is much better to get the practical experience.

The starting salary would not be too high, while you would have secure employment after a year, it take stime to work up in salary.

That wouldnt be to bad then..not been thick but would you have any other information or a number I could ring in reference to it? If ya dont no hassle..As for the salary sure I'm on the dole at the moment so used 2 having not alot of money! Thanks again

Magenta

CrazyMel wrote: »

That wouldnt be to bad then..not been thick but would you have any other information or a number I could ring in reference to it? If ya dont no hassle..As for the salary sure I'm on the dole at the moment so used 2 having not alot of money! Thanks again

CrazyMel why don't you go on Google and look up the information yourself... you kind of sound like you just woke up one morning and decided you wanted to be a dental nurse because you think it sounds like a cushy job.
You did not do any Science subjects for your Leaving Cert... do you have any interest in Biology or Science at all?

Also, you cannot be a dentist without studying Dentistry (5 year degree).

jewell

Without dampening anyones spirits or ambitions ....regardless of qualification or not, most dentist don't particularly care whether their dental nurses are qualified. I can 100% confirm you certainly don't get paid more if you are qualified. What matters to the dentist most is that the person assisting in the surgery is doing things the way they like things being done. The only advantage of doing the exams is that if and I stress IF, a Health board position comes up, or if you intend to go on to do the hygienist course, thats where you will need it.

The jobs in the health boards are difficult to get and have fantastic working conditions. The way private practices operate ie techniques/materials used varies from dental practice to dental practice. It is a very tiring job, often standing all day, can run late at short notice and the word overtime doesn't exist. Holidays often have to be taken when the dentist takes his or when his kids are on midterm break! There was huge changes to the dental benefit scheme in this years budget and it has caused alot of job losses since Jan 2010 and now there is a question mark hanging over the medical card scheme as well.


If anyone wants anymore info PM me feel free, sorry for being negative but people always think .... oh its a lovely cushy job but its far from it

CrazyMel

Magenta wrote: »

CrazyMel why don't you go on Google and look up the information yourself... you kind of sound like you just woke up one morning and decided you wanted to be a dental nurse because you think it sounds like a cushy job.
You did not do any Science subjects for your Leaving Cert... do you have any interest in Biology or Science at all?

Also, you cannot be a dentist without studying Dentistry (5 year degree).

I do yes and Im not just interested in this field because I think its goin to turn around ta be a "cushy job" and yes I've googled stuff just wanted some extra information on this:rolleyes:

CrazyMel

jewell wrote: »

Without dampening anyones spirits or ambitions ....regardless of qualification or not, most dentist don't particularly care whether their dental nurses are qualified. I can 100% confirm you certainly don't get paid more if you are qualified. What matters to the dentist most is that the person assisting in the surgery is doing things the way they like things being done. The only advantage of doing the exams is that if and I stress IF, a Health board position comes up, or if you intend to go on to do the hygienist course, thats where you will need it.

The jobs in the health boards are difficult to get and have fantastic working conditions. The way private practices operate ie techniques/materials used varies from dental practice to dental practice. It is a very tiring job, often standing all day, can run late at short notice and the word overtime doesn't exist. Holidays often have to be taken when the dentist takes his or when his kids are on midterm break! There was huge changes to the dental benefit scheme in this years budget and it has caused alot of job losses since Jan 2010 and now there is a question mark hanging over the medical card scheme as well.


If anyone wants anymore info PM me feel free, sorry for being negative but people always think .... oh its a lovely cushy job but its far from
it

I totally agree with what your sayin about the working conditions but Im a tough bird lol its still not puttin me off wanting to be one ya know!

Magenta

CrazyMel wrote: »

I do yes and Im not just interested in this field because I think its goin to turn around ta be a "cushy job" and yes I've googled stuff just wanted some extra information on this:rolleyes:

You already said yourself that you made the decision the last time you were getting your teeth done. It doesn't exactly sound like a lifelong dream or anything.

CrazyMel

Magenta wrote: »

You already said yourself that you made the decision the last time you were getting your teeth done. It doesn't exactly sound like a lifelong dream or anything.

It doesnt have to be like :rolleyes: Thanks for your comments tho!

CrazyMel

Any1 else got any information for me thanks

shellbyville

Jus to add, I did my Dental Nursing in Athlone and we do 30 weeks through the 2 years so we get more than enough practical experience if anything its helped me get jobs when I qualified because I could put it down on my CV.