Did you know you can claim back tax if you wash your own scrubs

Most nurses are completely unaware that you can claim money back from the Taxman.
You can claim back up to £120 and it doesn’t end there.
Pay your own GDC registration fee? You can claim for that as well.
So get claiming dental nurses! It’s as easy as ABC. (See website for details)

There is a national shortage of dental nurses.

Yes you got it- everyone is trying to find good dental nurses. If you knew the real need for good dental nurses out there you would not think twice about asking for a pay rise. Are you a good nurse? It is time to start asking for the salary you deserve as a registered dental care professional.

Employment rights:

Get in the know about holiday entitlement, lunch breaks, maternity leave and more.
Here at The Dental Nurse Network we aim to keep you well informed to help you to- get ahead.

Holidays:

Since April 2009, statutory holiday was increased from 4.8 weeks to 5.6 weeks (28 days) for full time workers. This usually includes bank holidays.
For the part- time worker
Holiday entitlement is calculated on a pro-rata basis.
For example:
A dental nurse works 4 days per week.
This is calculated as 4 x 5.6 = 22.4 days.
3 days per week: 3 x 5.6 = 16.8 days.

Asking for time off:

Usually time –off is negotiated with your employer but there are some situations where employers simply cannot refuse time off. These include the following:
1 .Public and trade union duties
2. Parental/ dependant responsibilities

Employment termination & Holiday pay entitlement.You are legally entitled to receive holiday pay once your employment has terminated.

There is no minimum period for this, if you have only worked one month in a practice you still would have accumulated holiday pay and this should be paid to you.

If for any reason your employer does not pay your final salary or holiday pay entitlement the Employment Tribunal can assist you but applications must be submitted within three months of the employment ending.

Lunch breaks:

Dental nurses are entitled to regular breaks in the working day. Workers over the age of 18 must be offered a minimum 20 -minute break for every shift lasting more than 6 hours.

HOW TO BE AN EXCELLENT DENTAL NURSE AND INCREASE YOUR SALARY
TOP 10 TIPS BY A PANEL OF EXPERIENCED, HIGHLY PAID DENTAL NURSES

1)    KNOW YOUR PRODUCT

Keep up- to- date, be in the know about all the latest and greatest products
Know the mixing & setting times for all products.

2)    PATIENT RAPPORT BUILDING

It is important that you create and maintain rapport with patients.
Get to know as much as possible about your patient. This skill is invaluable.
If you are shy or struggle in this area, it is worth investing in books or training programmes.
Develop rapport quickly by

  • A Big smile
  • Show that you are interested in the patient by asking questions

Read: How to win friends and influence people, Dale Carnegie.

3)    PUNCTUALITY

This is a very basic concept but again will make you an invaluable member of the team.

4)    SICK DAYS

Don’t take sick days because it devalues the salaries of all dental nurses.
Of course, in the case that you are sick, take the time off and get well sooner rather than later.

5)    ANTICIPATION

Watch and concentrate during procedures. Be one step ahead of the dentist at all times.
Know every detail, including exactly what rotary bur he/she uses for a procedure.
Get the bur out ready before the dentists ask. Make it your aim to have everything ready before the dentist has to ask.

6)    TRAIN YOUR BRAIN

Develop your skills and further your career.
As a dental nurse you can further your career by studying:

  • Oral Health Promotion
  • Dental Radiography
  • Sedation
  • Impression taking course
  • Software & IT training
  • Communication skills

There are many more courses on offer.

7)    BE IRREPLACEABLE

Know your practice inside- out. Make sure you know your software inside out. Take the time to learn different aspects of it. Know all your patients and know the best way to keep the dentists happy.

8)    KNOW YOUR VALUE

Never undervalue yourself with low pay conditions. Be sure to ask for pay-rises annually and explain why you are an invaluable asset of the practice and its growth. Be confident in your abilities.

9)    RESPECT IS EARNED

Respect your colleagues and they will respect you. Build your relationships. Be sure to leave a practice with good intention and good relation.

10)    TESTIMONIALS

Build up a portfolio of testimonials.
If you go into an interview with a portfolio of fantastic references you will be snapped up quickly.