Working as dental nurse in Ireland with an overseas dental qualification

1. Dental Nursing Is Not on the Critical Skills List

An important point to understand from the start:

Dental nursing is not listed on Ireland’s Critical Skills Occupation List.

This means:

•Employers must prioritise Irish and EU residents

•Sponsorship is generally not offered for dental nursing roles

•Clinics usually expect applicants to already have the right to work in Ireland

Because of this, most overseas dentists who are already in Ireland (students, dependents, Stamp 1G holders, etc.) find dental nursing to be a practical and accessible job option.

For clarification: the terms dental nurse and dental assistant are interchangeable.

2. No Dental Council Registration Required

One major advantage is that you do not need to register with the Dental Council of Ireland to work as a dental nurse.

So, there is no need to stress about courses and exams!

In fact, many people working as dental nurses in Ireland do not have any dental or medical background at all.

As an overseas dentist, your background actually makes you a stronger candidate than most.

3. Registered vs Non-Registered Dental Nurses: What’s the Difference?

In Ireland, the difference between a registered and non-registered dental nurse is very minimal.

✔ The only practical difference is this:

A registered dental nurse who has completed a Dental Radiography course can take radiographs under the prescription of a dentist.

Non-registered nurses cannot take X-rays — but everything else in the role remains the same.

4. Salary and Working Hours

Salary

The average salary for a dental nurse in Ireland is around €17 per hour , though it can vary based on:

•Experience + your negotiation

•Location

•Type of clinic (general, orthodontic, cosmetic, etc.)

Working Hours

Dentists and dental nurses typically work:

•9:00 am – 5:00 pm

•Monday to Friday

•Occasionally Saturdays in larger clinics

Overall, the hours are predictable and family-friendly.

5. Scope of Work as a Dental Nurse

Your responsibilities can vary depending on the clinic, but they generally include:

Clinical Duties

•Preparing the dental surgery before each patient

•Chairside assisting the dentist

•Charting during procedures

•Instrument decontamination and sterilisation

•Infection control procedures

Operational Tasks

•Stock control and ordering

•Completing lab forms

•Updating patient records

•Maintaining clinic cleanliness

•Organising treatment rooms and equipment

Administrative & Patient Support

•Reception duties (varies by clinic)

•Supporting anxious or nervous patients

•Scheduling appointments

•Answering phone calls

Your dental background often makes learning these tasks much easier.

6. Worried About the Interview? No Need.

Many overseas dentists feel nervous about interviewing for dental nurse roles—but there’s absolutely no reason to be.

Most clinics do not ask deep technical questions during interviews. They mainly want to understand your:

•Motivation for the role

•Commitment and reliability

•Communication style

•Ability to work in a team

However, if they do ask you something technical, especially about infection control or chairside skills:

✔ Just show confidence and a willingness to learn.

You don’t need to be perfect. What clinics value most is:

•A positive attitude

•Ability to adapt

•Openness to training

•Enthusiasm

Your dental background already gives you a strong foundation.

Note: Make sure you ask about your expected scope of practice.

7. Concerned About Infection Control Procedures? Don’t Be — You Will Be Trained.

If you’re not familiar with Irish infection control standards, don’t stress.

Every clinic has its own protocols, and they will train you thoroughly on:

•Instrument handling

•Waterline care

•Sterilisation procedures

•Waste management

•Cross-infection prevention

•Surface decontamination

•PPE usage

•Workflow in the sterilisation room

No one expects you to know their specific system before starting.

8. How to Get Started

Getting a dental nurse job in Ireland is simple and straightforward:

Step 1: Update Your CV

Highlight your:

•Dental degree

•Clinical experience

•Communication skills

•Ability to work in a team

•Patient care strengths

Irish employers prefer clean, simple CVs.

Step 2: Start Applying for Jobs

Look on popular job platforms:

•Indeed

•IrishJobs

•Jobs

•LinkedIn

Search for:

•Dental Nurse

•Dental Assistant

•Treatment Coordinator

•Clinic Administrator

Many clinics will happily train someone with a dental background.

The process is a lot simpler than you actually think!

For any queries about working as a dental nurse in Ireland, feel free to reach out to us at Contact@Healthpathireland.com

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