a consultant or specialist in a public dental health setting constructing occlusal registration rims and special trays repairing acrylic components of removable appliances tracing cephalograms entry level working as a trainee dental nurse does not require any qualification, but progression to qualified dental nurse requires completion of a formal course of study, either part or full-time, approved by the general dental council. a minimum 2 gcses (c grade or above) in english language and maths or a science subject are usually required for part-time courses while full-time courses may require evidence of a-level or as-level study. a level 3 apprenticeship in dental nursing is an alternative pathway to gaining the required qualifications in dental nursing. ireland flag of ireland. in ireland dental assistants have the following tasks: infection control chair-side assistance preparation and maintenance of the dental surgery patient care and administration of the dental surgery skills required communication and organisation skills the ability to use initiative good manual dexterity and be prepared to work closely providing support & assistance during the provision of dental treatment in the republic of ireland, it is often dental nurses (and teeth whitening technicians) who carry out teeth whitening procedures rather than dentists. this practice mainly occurs in clinics focusing solely on laser teeth whitening. in ireland, registration as a dental nurse with the irish dental council is voluntary; however, nurses who are registered and who carry out teeth whitening may face disciplinary action if caught. notable dental assistants marie foster lesley langley sue wilding