Dental Nurse - Reserve

Royal Army Medical Service

At a glance

  • Soldier
  • Specialist
  • medical

First-class training helps you become a Dental Nurse. It’s much like being the civilian job, but with added excitement, travel, sports and career development.

My role as an Army Dental Nurse is really rewarding.

As a Dental Nurse you’ll play your part in keeping soldiers well so that they can do their jobs. You’ll care for patients, prepare equipment and sterilise instruments. You’ll also move practices every few years and be a highly skilled soldier.

You don’t need qualifications when you join – we’ll train you and help you work towards a Diploma in Dental Nursing, but if you’re already a registered Dental Nurse we want to hear from you too. Work hard and you could become a Dental Practice Manager.

There are many other roles and qualifications available, too, plus a pension, sports and Adventurous Training.

Royal Army Medical Service

The Royal Army Medical Service (RAMS) has taken care of the Army’s dental health for more than a century and continues to provide high-quality dental care to the Army both in barracks and on operations. Wherever in the world the Army operates, you will find the Dental Officers and Dental Nurses of the RAMS.

Apply now

Key Responsibilities

  • Earn a competitive salary and non-contributory pension

  • Get fully funded Continuing Professional Development opportunities

  • Progress to Dental Practice Manager

  • Take on challenges, make new friends, and enjoy Adventurous Training and sport

  • Join as a qualified dental nurse or train as a dental nurse through the Army

Have any questions? Talk with us

Reserve (part time)

Entry requirements

  • Age:

    From 17 years & 9 months to 49 years & 6 months

  • Qualifications:

    Qualified dental nurse with active registration with the General Dental Council. May also be at the point of completing dental nurse training.

  • Basic physical fitness assessment:

    • Mid Thigh Pull 50kg

    • Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m

    • MSFT (beep test) level 5.8

    More information about the fitness test

Training for the role

Step 1
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.

  • Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.

  • Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.

Step 2
Once your basic soldiering training is complete, you will move on to do trade-specific training with your Unit.

Qualifications you could get after training

On successful entry into the Army Medical Services Reserve you will be eligible to apply for funding for Professional Qualifications to help you in your role with the Army Medical Services.

Pay & benefits

You’ll be paid on a daily rate commensurate to your qualifications. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you’re entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.

More about Reserve benefits

How to Apply

Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. When you go to the Assessment Centre, you'll take tests - the results will show whether you'd be suitable for this role, or should consider a different role.

More about the joining process