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.
SIP- EA- Dental Nurse 5