Specialist Training
If you are joining without a dental nurse qualification you will study for the National Diploma in Dental Nursing awarded by the National Exam Board for Dental Nurses .
Within the RAF , this consists of a residential element at Defence Medical Services ( DMS ) Whittington and a placement in a RAF unit . During this time you will remain under training and on a pathway leading to qualification and registration with the GDC .
Qualified and registered dental nurses joining will attend a 5-day familiarisation at a suitable unit prior to their first assignment
Your First Tour
For your first tour , you will be posted to work within an experienced dental team . You ’ ll have a lot of contact with patients and develop a close working relationship with the other dental nurses , dentists and hygienists .
Your Future Career Prospects and Progression
You ’ ll initially join the RAF for a period of 12 years . After a year , you ’ ll be eligible for promotion to Air Specialist ( Class 1 ), AS ( 1 ) # . On completion of specialist training and following registration with the GDC you will be awarded the Technical discriminator badge and advanced in pay accordingly .
Promotion to Corporal and beyond is by competitive selection . When you reach the rank of corporal you could work either in a dental practice as the practice supervisor or as a Regional Dental Headquarters or as a dental nurse instructor .
# wef 1 Jul 2022
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