If you’re applying for a trainee dental nurse job, your CV is your opportunity to make a strong first impression on a dental practice. But it’s not just about ticking the right boxes — creating a CV that stands out visually and shows your commitment to learning and developing your skills is crucial. As someone who’s been on both sides of the interview table, I can tell you that employers appreciate a well-thought-out, engaging CV. Here’s how you can craft the perfect CV to get noticed.

Make Your CV Visually Appealing

First impressions count, and while the content of your CV is essential, the presentation also matters. A plain, black-and-white CV can easily blend into the pile, making it harder to stand out. Many employers appreciate CVs that are visually appealing — professional, but with a touch of creativity.

One tool I recommend is Canva, which offers free, customizable CV templates. With Canva, you can create a CV that’s both engaging and easy to read, showcasing your personality while keeping things professional. A well-designed CV can help catch the eye of employers, especially when it’s clear and organised.

My own CV, before I started running Dental Nurse Network, was created using InDesign, which required IT skills, and it included a professional photo. Interviewers often commented positively on its design and layout. While having IT skills helped me create a polished CV at the time, the good news is that with tools like Canva, you don’t need technical skills to create a beautiful, professional CV. Canva makes it easy for anyone to design something that stands out.

While some employers may prefer a more traditional format, a creative layout often leaves a strong, positive impression. Even in more formal settings, a thoughtfully crafted CV can stand out if you get it right.

Include Your Personal Details

At the top of your CV, include your full name, phone number, email address, and location (you don’t need to provide your full address — just the town or city). If you have a LinkedIn profile or an online CV, make sure to add those too, as they can give employers more insight into your background.

When it comes to your email address, make sure it’s professional — something like This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Avoid informal or outdated email addresses, as they may give the wrong impression.

Also, some email providers can have issues with delivering or receiving emails. In my experience, Gmail tends to be the most reliable with fewer issues regarding delivery. A dental practice might email you back, and you don’t want to miss a response due to email provider issues. While Gmail is a solid choice, feel free to use any provider that reliably sends and receives messages.

Write a Strong Personal Statement

Your personal statement (or career objective) is a brief introduction that highlights who you are and why you’re the right fit for the role. Keep it focused and tailored to the specific position you’re applying for.

Example:

“I am an enthusiastic and compassionate individual and am eager to start my career as a trainee dental nurse. I am passionate about learning and growing in the dental field, and I am dedicated to providing excellent patient care. I am committed to developing my skills and becoming a valuable member of the dental team.”

Highlight Relevant Skills (Even If You’re New to Dental Nursing)

Even if you’re new to dental nursing, you still have valuable skills to showcase. Highlight any transferable skills from previous jobs, such as customer service, communication, teamwork, or organisation. These are all crucial in a dental setting as well.

If you don’t yet have any dental nursing experience, that’s okay! You can still demonstrate your commitment to learning about the profession. There are plenty of free and affordable resources online where you can take introductory courses or brush up on relevant skills.

Showcase Your Education and Qualifications

Your education section should be concise and focused. List any qualifications, starting with the most recent. If you’re currently studying or completing a course, mention the expected completion date. Even if your qualifications aren’t dental-specific, they can still demonstrate your learning ability and dedication.

Make Your Work Experience Relevant

Even if you’ve never worked in a dental practice, think about roles where you developed skills that apply to dental nursing. Customer service, communication and organisation are all key elements of the job. Describe how your previous experiences helped you build these abilities.

Show How You’re Developing Yourself

Even if you don’t have direct experience in dental nursing, there are many ways to demonstrate your commitment to the role. One of the best ways to stand out is to show that you’ve taken the initiative to learn about the role of a dental nurse.

For example, at Dental Nurse Network, we offer a wide range of articles on the responsibilities and skills required to be a successful dental nurse. By reading these articles and gaining insight into the profession, you can show potential employers that you’ve done your homework and are serious about the job.

Additionally, our Introduction to Dental Nursing course is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to learning, even if you’re just starting out. If the course isn’t an option for you at this stage, consider buying a dental nursing book online. Doing so will not only make you stand out but also give you a head start on understanding the role, making you better prepared when you begin the NEBDN National Diploma in Dental Nursing or another qualification.

There are also many free dental nursing resources available online. Taking advantage of these can help you learn more about the profession and demonstrate your initiative.

While waiting for job interviews, you could also improve your IT skills, which can be useful in many dental practices that use dental computer systems for patient management and scheduling. Although not essential, good IT skills can give you an edge. You could also take short courses in communication, which are crucial for working effectively in a dental setting. There are plenty of free or affordable learning opportunities online that will help you build your CV and demonstrate your initiative.

By showing employers that you’ve taken steps to educate yourself about dental nursing, you’ll position yourself as someone who’s proactive and ready to succeed in the role.

Tailor Your CV to Each Job and Practice

When applying for jobs, it’s important to personalise your CV and cover letter for each role. Do some research about the practice you’re applying to and reflect that in your application. This could be as simple as mentioning their mission or values, or explaining why you’re excited to work with them.

If you can, try to find out the practice’s name and email them directly with your CV and cover letter. On platforms like Indeed, managers can easily be flooded with applications, so showing extra effort and persistence can help you stand out. Indeed also offers options to complete free tests to highlight your skills or leave voice recordings — I definitely recommend doing all you can to showcase your strengths.

Perseverance goes a long way — I got my first job as a dental nurse because I wouldn’t stop calling the practice! Your dedication and effort will not go unnoticed.

Proofread and Be Sure to Include References

Before sending your CV, make sure it’s error-free. Spelling or grammar mistakes can give the wrong impression, so double-check everything. There are plenty of free editing tools available online that can help you catch errors, but it’s also a good idea to get someone proficient in English to review your CV as well. I often see errors in CVs, and with all the free editing software out there, there’s no reason not to take the time to get it right.

You can end your CV with the statement “References available upon request”, or you can list your references if you’ve already obtained permission from your referees.

Persistence and Commitment Pay Off

Your CV is more than just a list of qualifications — it’s your opportunity to show your commitment to learning and growing in the role of a dental nurse. Take advantage of the wealth of online learning resources, and don’t be afraid to show your perseverance when applying to practices.

Remember, even if you don’t have dental experience yet, you can develop relevant skills while you apply for jobs. Show that you’re willing to go the extra mile, whether it’s improving your communication, taking online courses, or even following up with potential employers. When you show initiative, managers take notice!

It’s also crucial to make sure you’re applying to the right practice — one that will fully support you in your dental nurse training. Not every practice is the same, so take the time to find a workplace that will invest in your growth and development. Most practices will support your training, but they also need to see a strong commitment from you in return. Show them that you’re ready to put in the effort to learn and grow, and you’ll find the right fit.

Additional Resources for Trainee Dental Nurses

For more tips, guidance, and resources to help you succeed in your dental nursing career, check out these helpful tools and articles:

How to write the perfect CV for a trainee dental nurse job

Interview tips for trainee dental nurses

Attending an interview can be a daunting experience, whether it’s your first interview after school or you’ve been working for many years. Most of us feel nervous about stepping into the unknown, sitting in front of people we’ve never met, and trying to sell our skills and experience.

I’ve interviewed many trainee dental nurses over the years, first alongside my previous practice manager as the lead dental nurse, and more recently with a colleague as a practice manager. Here are my top tips to help you navigate the process and hopefully land the job you want.

CV: First Impressions Count

The first point of contact is often your CV, and it’s true that first impressions count. We’ve reviewed many CVs over the years, and when we have a large pool of applicants, we sometimes have to make quick decisions, so a smart-looking CV will help you get through to the interview stage.

Here’s what stands ou for us:

• Professional presentation: A clean, professional-looking CV on one side of A4 really catches our attention.
• Clarity: We don’t need a life history at this stage – keep it short, focused, and use bullet points to highlight your experience and education.
• Personalised cover letter: A cover letter that’s tailored to the specific role you’re applying for shows genuine interest and can really set you apart from other applicants.

There are some brilliant CV templates online that are definitely worth checking out. We often advertise roles through social media and Indeed, but we’ve found that the CVs submitted via Indeed can sometimes lack individuality, making it harder for candidates to stand out.

Interview: A Two-Way Process

Interviews can feel nerve-wracking, but remember, we’re also a little nervous! We want to make sure you’re the right fit for our team, and we’re also trying to sell our practice to you.

Here’s how you can make a great impression:

• Arrive on time and dress smartly: Punctuality and professionalism are key.
• Do your research: It’s always impressive when candidates have taken the time to look at our website and social media. It shows you’re genuinely interested in both the role and our practice.
• Balanced answers: We know nerves can make it difficult, but try to strike a balance in your responses. We’re not looking for one-word answers, but there’s no need to over-explain either – just keep it conversational.

When we interview qualified trainee dental nurses, we typically ask questions like:

• What is it about dental nursing that appeals to you?
• What is your understanding of the dental nurse role?
• Why are you looking to move on from your current role?
• What are your career goals moving forward?

Some of the more open-ended questions, like “Tell us about yourself” or “What can you bring to our practice?”, might feel a bit awkward, but we’re looking to see your personality and how you’ll fit into the team. Remember, you’re also interviewing us, so feel free to ask your own questions.

One question we always ask is whether you’re comfortable with blood. As a dental nurse, you’ll regularly encounter blood during procedures like extractions or surgeries. It’s important to be honest with yourself about whether this is something you can handle. We once had a trainee who realised early on that the sight of blood made her uncomfortable, and she chose to pursue a different career path. It’s always better to recognise this early on to ensure dental nursing is the right fit for you.

Probation Period: A Time to Learn and Grow

At our practice, we offer a three-month probationary period for both trainee dental nurses and qualified dental nurses. This time is absolutely vital, especially for trainee dental nurses, as dental nursing can be a niche role. Until you begin working in practice, you may not fully understand if it’s the right fit for you. Although we outline the job role during the interview, some people just don’t know what to expect until they start.

Here’s what to keep in mind during your probationary period:

Open communication: Some people realise early on that dental nursing isn’t for them, and we always appreciate when staff are honest about this. It’s better for everyone when expectations are clear.

Qualities we value: Being organised and efficient and keeping the surgery spotless are key qualities for success in this role, but there are other important attributes we look for:

• Attention to detail: Precision is vital, especially when assisting with procedures and handling instruments.
• Strong communication skills: As a trainee dental nurse, you’ll interact with patients, dentists, and the rest of the team regularly. Being able to communicate clearly and compassionately helps ensure smooth operations and a positive patient experience.
• Anticipating the dentist’s needs: A key skill to develop as a trainee dental nurse is the ability to anticipate what the dentist will need next during procedures. Paying close attention to the flow of work and being ready with the right instruments or materials can help the dentist perform more efficiently and ensure the procedure goes smoothly.
• Adaptability: Dental practices can be fast-paced environments, and tasks may change throughout the day. Being flexible and able to handle unexpected situations with a calm, professional attitude is key.
• A caring and patient-centred approach: Making patients feel comfortable and reassured is a big part of dental nursing. A caring attitude can make all the difference in a patient’s experience, especially for those who may feel anxious about treatments.

During the probation period, we’ll also ensure dental trainees have received their initial Hep B vaccine and carry out a DBS risk assessment. We also have our dental nurse course provider draw up a document stating that on successful completion of the probationary period, the candidate will be enrolled in the trainee dental nurse course.

The probationary period not only allows you to see if the role fits you, but it also helps us as a practice determine if you’re the right fit for the role. It’s a time for learning and adjustment, and we provide support to help you settle into your role. At the end of the three months, if we don’t feel the candidate is right for the role, we don’t offer a permanent position.

Ultimately, if dental nursing is what you truly want to do, you’ll know soon enough – and so will we. As long as you put in the effort, keep your surgery spotless, support the team, and make patients feel welcome, then dental nursing could be the perfect fit for you.

Additional Resources for Trainee Dental Nurses

For more tips, guidance, and resources to help you succeed in your dental nursing career, check out these helpful tools and articles:

How to write the perfect CV for a trainee dental nurse job

How to know if a dental nursing career is for you

Career paths are very rarely linear anymore. While the generations before us would stick to one track — even if they didn’t enjoy it — today’s employees are waking up to the idea that work can be rewarding and support your lifestyle. It might even be fun, too!

A dental nursing career may not seem like the next logical step for your professional trajectory. But if you’re here reading this article, then the thought has at least crossed your mind ...

What can you expect from a dental nursing career?

Dental nursing offers many rewards and opportunities.

As a dental nurse, you’d be part of a system that improves patients’ health, appearance, and overall self-esteem — and what could be more rewarding than that? When asked, almost half of people say they’re unhappy with their teeth (some even avoid smiling for fear of judgement from others), and you could help restore their confidence.

You’d also get to meet and interact with patients of all ages, cultures, and personalities. If you’re a “people person” who enjoys being around others and making a difference to their health, then a career in dental nursing might be just the perfect fit!

But it’s not just about the softer side of the job. Dental nurses have a long list of key responsibilities and essential tasks — each of which are crucial to the smooth running of a dental practice each day.

Dental nurses are responsible for:

• Welcoming patients, looking after patient records, and making notes during the dental examinations.
• Working closely with the dentist, responding quickly to requests.
• Ensuring that all relevant supplies and materials are in their place.
• Maintaining and cleaning the instruments and dental operating equipment.
• Contacting hospitals or orthodontic clinics when necessary on behalf of a patient.
• Keeping the surgery a clean and calming environment — ready for anything!

Scope of Practice for Dental Nurses

The General Dental Council (GDC) states:

Dental nurses are registered dental professionals who provide clinical and other support to registrants and patients.

As a dental nurse, you can undertake the following if you are trained, competent and indemnified:

• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment, including the equipment.
• Carry out infection prevention and control procedures to prevent physical, chemical and microbiological contamination in the surgery or laboratory.
• Record dental charting and oral tissue assessment carried out by other registrants.
• Prepare, mix and handle dental bio-materials.
• Provide chairside support to the operator during treatment.
• Keep full, accurate and contemporaneous patient records.
• Prepare equipment, materials and patients for dental radiography.
• Process dental radiographs.
• Monitor, support and reassure patients.
• Give appropriate patient advice.
• Support patients and colleagues if there is a medical emergency.
• Make appropriate referrals to other health professionals.

Additional skills dental nurses could develop include:

• Further skills in oral health education and oral health promotion.
• Assisting in the treatment of patients who are under conscious sedation.
• Further skills in assisting in the treatment of patients with special needs.
• Further skills in assisting in the treatment of orthodontic patients.
• Intra- and extra-oral photography.
• Pouring, casting and trimming study models.
• Shade-taking.
• Tracing cephalographs.

Additional skills carried out on prescription from, or under the direction of, another registrant:

• Taking radiographs.
• Placing rubber dams.
• Measuring and recording plaque indices.
• Removing sutures after a wound has been checked by a dentist.
• Constructing occlusal registration rims and special trays.
• Repairing the acrylic component of removable appliances.
• Applying topical anaesthetic to the prescription of a dentist.
• Constructing mouthguards and bleaching trays to the prescription of a dentist.
• Constructing vacuum-formed retainers to the prescription of a dentist.
• Taking impressions to the prescription of a dentist or a CDT (where appropriate).

Dental nurses can apply fluoride varnish either on prescription from a dentist or directly as part of a structured dental health programme.

Scope of Practice, GDC 2013

Lastly, let’s debunk one major stereotype about the dental nursing career. No, you don’t have to be a woman to be a dental nurse.

True, dental nursing has been a predominantly female field for quite some years (leading to the generalisation that women make better dental nurses). But there are more and more men making a name for themselves in the sector too.

Interested in hearing more about the dental nursing experience from a male perspective? Have a read of this interview.

What soft and hard skills do I need as a dental nurse? 

We can sum up a dental nurse’s responsibilities in three words: administration, counselling, and craftsmanship. See, we told you it was varied! So what are the core skills you’ll need to succeed?

Empathy

This is an essential skill for anyone stepping into a healthcare role. Empathy is all about being able to see a patient’s point of view and understand their lived experience.

Remember how we said that thousands of people are unhappy with their smile? You may well see patients who are embarrassed about their oral health or resistant to treatment — it’s your responsibility to keep them calm and reassure them that what may feel uncomfortable now will ultimately be beneficial to them.

You may also encounter patients who are terrified of visiting the dentist. Your welcoming smile (or eyes, considering you’ll likely be wearing a mask!) will be required to ease their nerves and keep them sitting still.

Attention to detail

Being detail-oriented pays off in many ways as a dental nurse — when sterilising instruments or even when managing the diary. The clinician(s) will look to you as a right-hand person; they’ll need to trust that you’re paying attention to the minutiae, as that empowers them to do their job well.

Strong team player

Every single person in the dental team contributes to a practice’s success. As a dental nurse, your job description may be to support the dentist, but you’ll need to be accountable for getting your own work done — and doing it to a very high standard.

As you progress through your career, you may even become a mentor or inspiration for other dental nurses in your practice or local area. And, as we mentioned before, you’ll also be the person that patients look to for oral healthcare advice and insights. Individuals who are naturally considerate of other people and their needs have the potential to become truly irreplaceable dental nurses indeed.

Commitment to patient care and personal development 

Passion and commitment take you a long way in any career, but this is especially true in dental nursing. When it’s your job to disinfect and prepare the equipment thoroughly, take down accurate assessment notes, and perform many more tasks that are critical to a patient’s oral health, then you’d better be engaged with your work!

People are trusting you with their healthcare — and that’s a very special honour indeed!

But aside from wanting to do your best for patients, you should also want to do your best for yourself.

The responsibilities that may make you feel nervous as a trainee nurse, and in need of encouragement, will soon become second nature. And from there, you’ll want to build on the foundations you’ve established — taking ownership of your personal development in a variety of ways.

So let’s discuss that now ...

A dental nurse’s typical career progression — and how to get started

Dental nursing can be a long, varied, and rewarding career. To begin, you’ll need to:

• Apply for a trainee position at a dental practice near you
• There are several routes into your trainee dental nurse position. You can:
• Search online for local clinics recruiting trainee roles.
• Contact dental recruitment agencies.
• Ask at the clinic you’re registered at — or ask if they know any fellow practices hiring trainees.
• Get in touch with any other dental nurses you may know or reach out via a community forum. 
• Undergo your accredited national diploma

Once you’ve been accepted at a practice, you are legally required to apply for an accredited national diploma in dental nursing — and you’ll need to do so within two years. The course can be undertaken as a qualification or an apprenticeship, and you can read more about accredited course providers right here.

To be accepted onto a diploma course, you’ll need to complete a DBS check — your practice should help you with this. You’ll also need to pay the course fees, which can usually be spread out over a payment plan.

Embrace personal development and upskill

As a qualified dental nurse, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to learn and develop. A Personal Development Plan will help you ascertain which skills and competencies you’d like to train in and why.

The more value you deliver within your clinic, the faster you’ll see yourself progress. You could train within a specialist area, such as radiography or orthodontics. Another option is to become a qualified oral health educator or practice manager or practice owner. Many nurses have gone on to become tutors and assessors, and some have studied to become hygienists or dentists.  Visit our inspirations stories here to learn how other nurses progressed their careers.

Further qualifications and courses will likely be required as your career takes shape. But there really is no limit as to how far you can develop yourself if you are passionate, committed, and willing to put in the work and time required to retrain and redevelop.