Apprentice Dental Nurse

The apprenticeship in dental nursing is an 18-month government funded course by City & Guilds, a Level 3 Extended Diploma. Alongside your learning, your job role within the practice will entail assisting dentists, sterilising and preparing equipment, reception duties, and supporting patient experience. This role will provide efficient and reliable chairside support to clinicians while ensuring high standards of patient care, confidentiality, and GDPR compliance.

Day-to-day responsibilities:

• Welcoming patients and assisting with appointment scheduling
• Handling basic patient enquiries professionally and appropriately
• Preparing surgeries, sterilising instruments, and maintaining infection control to CQC standards
• Assisting clinicians during treatments and accurately updating patient records in line with GDPR
• Supporting patients' comfort, reassurance, and overall dental experience
• Monitoring and managing stock, equipment, and surgery readiness
• Maintaining clean, safe, and fully equipped clinical areas
• Upholding patient privacy, dignity, and confidentiality at all times
• Collaborating with dentists and the wider team to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality care

Professional and clinical development:

• Identify relevant and appropriate dental, oral, craniofacial, and general anatomy, recognising the diversity of anatomy across the patient population
• Evaluate health risks of prescribed, non-prescribed and recreational drug use on oral and general health
• Evaluate the scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and biomaterials, with emphasis on those used in dentistry
• Identify signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma and explain safeguarding systems
• Identify signs of normal and abnormal facial growth and developmental milestones and explain their significance
• Assess patients' levels of anxiety, experience, and expectations in respect of dental care and oral health
• Contribute to relevant special investigations and diagnostic procedures
• Undertake orthodontic assessment
• Obtain valid consent from patients, explaining relevant factors within legal requirements
• Record accurate and contemporaneous patient history and dental charting
• Prepare records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment
• Process and manage dental radiographs and images
• Manage patient anxiety appropriately and effectively
• Monitor, support and reassure patients through effective communication and behavioural techniques
• Identify changes in the patient's oral health status and take appropriate action
• Make arrangements for follow-up care as prescribed
• Provide chairside support during treatment and prepare, mix and handle dental materials
• Identify and explain risks within the clinical environment and manage these safely
• Implement and manage infection control procedures according to current guidelines
• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment including instruments and equipment
• Identify, assess and manage medical emergencies
• Provide personalised preventive advice to patients and carers to promote self-care and oral health
• Support management of patients with acute oral conditions with appropriate team involvement
• Adopt an evidence-based approach to clinical practice
• Communicate effectively in English or other languages as needed, with patients, the public, and colleagues
• Maintain complete and accurate patient records in line with legal requirements and best practice
• Demonstrate care, compassion, empathy, respect and professionalism in all interactions
• Demonstrate effective teamwork and contribute to the dental care provided
• Lead or delegate where appropriate within scope of practice
• Support patients to access oral healthcare and respect diversity and protected characteristics
• Protect patient safety and wellbeing and raise concerns when needed
• Engage in continuous professional development and reflective practice
• Demonstrate personal accountability to patients, the regulator, the team and wider community

Training schedule:

• Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship
• Functional Skills (if applicable)
• Flexible online delivery model
• Quarterly start dates throughout the year
• Induction and regular progress support

Skills required:

• Administrative Skills
• Analytical Skills
• Attention to Detail
• Customer Care Skills
• Initiative
• IT Skills
• Logical
• Non-judgemental
• Numerical Skills
• Organisational Skills
• Patience
• Physical Fitness
• Presentation Skills
• Problem Solving Skills
• Teamworking
• Communication Skills