How to Get Paid More as a Dental Nurse in 2025
If you're a Dental Nurse looking to boost your salary in 2025, you're not alone. As dental practices grow and evolve, there's more opportunity than ever for nurses to increase their earnings—by taking on more responsibility, specialising, or stepping into dual roles.
Here are 4 proven ways to earn more as a Dental Nurse this year, including bonus tips on how to take your career even further.
1. Progress to Lead Dental Nurse – Step into Seniority
One of the most direct ways to get paid more is by moving into a Lead Dental Nurse role. Practices value team members who take the lead on:
- Overseeing clinical standards.
- Supporting junior nurses.
- Handling stock, audits, and compliance tasks.
Salary Increase:
Lead Dental Nurses can earn £3,000 – £6,000 more annually than standard nurses.
How to Get There:
Complete our Certificate in Lead Dental Nursing to show you're ready for leadership. This qualification demonstrates to your employer that you’re serious about taking on more—and getting rewarded for it.
2. Specialise as an Orthodontic Nurse
Specialist skills are highly valued. By qualifying as an Orthodontic Nurse, you can assist in treatments like braces, clear aligners, and other high-revenue procedures.
- Practices offering orthodontics often pay a premium for qualified support.
- Specialist roles mean more variety and higher pay.
Salary Increase:
Specialist nurses can earn £2,500 – £5,000 more than general dental nurses.
How to Get There:
Our Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing equips you with the skills to step into specialist roles confidently.
3. Take on a Dual Role – Add Treatment Coordination
Dual roles are one of the fastest ways to boost your salary. Combining Dental Nursing with Treatment Coordination allows you to handle patient consultations, treatment plan presentations, and contribute to practice revenue growth.
Salary Increase:
Dual-role nurses can earn £3,000 – £8,000 more annually, depending on the practice.
How to Get There:
Complete our Certificate in Dental Treatment Coordination to position yourself for this high-value, patient-facing role.
Bonus Tip: Progress to Dental Practice Manager
If you’re ready for a bigger leap in both responsibility and pay, consider progressing to Dental Practice Manager. Many successful Practice Managers started as Dental Nurses before moving into leadership.
Practice Manager Salary in 2025:
£36,000 – £45,000+ per year, with potential bonuses based on performance.
How to Get There:
Our Certificate in Dental Practice Management can be completed in 8 weeks and gives you all the tools to lead a practice, manage a team, and earn significantly more.
Invest in Your Career, Increase Your Pay
There’s more opportunity than ever for Dental Nurses to earn more in 2025. Whether it’s stepping up as a Lead Nurse, specialising, or taking on a dual role, you can grow your career—and your salary—with the right training.
Ready to get paid what you deserve?
Explore our courses today and take the next step toward a more rewarding future.