apprentice dental nurse

Excellence-Solutions Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental practice in London is seeking a hardworking apprentice dental nurse to join their team. The role involves working alongside experienced staff to provide exceptional patient care and chair-side assistance. The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in dental health, effective communication skills, and relevant GCSE qualifications. This position offers a great opportunity for professional growth in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• End Point Assessment (EPA) required.
• Functional Skills in English and Maths if required.
• Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Greet patients and provide chairside assistance.
• Manage infection prevention and control.
• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment.
• Record accurate patient histories and dental assessments.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Customer care skills

Problem solving skills

Team working

Initiative

Non-judgemental

Patience

Education

GCSE English (A-C) or equivalent

GCSE Maths (A-C) or equivalent

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, and hardworking apprentice dental nurse to join our team. Assisting other dental health professionals, providing chair-side support and a high level of patient care. This is an excellent opportunity for a smart, ambitious and self-motivated individual to join a friendly environment. As an apprentice, you\'ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You\'ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.

What you\'ll do at work

• Greet patients
• Chairside assisting
• Stocking surgery
• Preparing for the surgery prior to treatments
• Charting and managing patient data
• Mixing materials
• Keeping the surgery tidy and clean
• Managing infection prevention and control
• Booking patients\' appointments
• Sterilisation and decontamination
• Processing of radiographs
• Answering the phone, 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 and misuse on oral and general health
• Evaluate the scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and biomaterials, their limitations and selection, with emphasis on those used in dentistry
• Identify signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma; explain local and national systems that safeguard the welfare of children and adults
• Identify signs of normal and abnormal facial growth, physical, mental and dental development milestones and 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 all relevant factors and taking into account legal requirements within scope of practice
• Record an accurate and contemporaneous patient history
• Accurately record dental charting as carried out by other registrants
• Accurately record an oral health assessment
• Prepare records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment
• Process and manage dental radiographs and images
• Manage patient anxiety appropriately, effectively, and safely
• Monitor, support and reassure patients through effective communication and behavioural techniques
• Identify changes in the patient\'s reported oral health status and take appropriate action
• Make arrangements for follow-up care as prescribed by the operator
• Provide chairside support to the operator during treatment
• Prepare, mix and handle dental materials
• Identify and explain risks within and around the clinical environment and manage these in a safe and effective manner
• Implement, perform, and manage effective decontamination and infection control procedures according to current guidelines
• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment including the instruments and equipment
• Identify, assess, and manage medical emergencies
• Provide patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice, instruction, and intervention to promote self-care and oral health
• Support the management of patients with acute oral conditions with appropriate team involvement
• Adopt an evidence-based approach to clinical practice
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with all patients, including those with limited English, using interpreters where necessary
• Communicate effectively with the public and with colleagues from dental and other healthcare professions
• Maintain contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice
• Demonstrate care, empathy, respect and professionalism in all interactions
• Demonstrate effective teamwork and contribute to providing dental care for patients
• Where appropriate, manage, refer or delegate work according to the scope of practice of team members
• Take a patient-centred approach and raise concerns about health, behaviour or professional performance when needed
• Comply with systems and processes to support safe patient care and adhere to best practice guidelines
• Act within legal frameworks and health and safety requirements; uphold professional integrity and accountability
• Work in partnership with colleagues to promote safety and wellbeing of patients and the dental team
• Where appropriate, lead, manage and take responsibility for the actions of colleagues involved in patient care
• Support patients to negotiate barriers to accessing oral healthcare, including those from marginalised populations
• Treat patients, the public and colleagues with dignity and respect, without discrimination
• Encourage informed decisions about care and promote cultural competence
• Provide the best possible outcome for patients by applying knowledge and advocating for their needs
• Speak up to protect others from harm
• Evaluate prevention and health promotion at community and population levels
• Address discriminatory language, behaviour and microaggressions
• Evaluate environmental impacts of dental treatments and apply evidence-based practices
• Contribute positively to healthcare communities

End Point and qualifications

• End Point Assessment (EPA)
• Functional Skills in English and maths if required
• Training location to be confirmed
• GCSE English (A-C) and GCSE Maths (A-C) or equivalent
• Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience; apprenticeship can reflect existing knowledge

Skills and attributes

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non-judgemental
• Patience

Progression

• With experience, you could move into a team leader, manager or dental practice manager position
• Serve in the armed forces as a dental nurse
• Become a dental hygienist or dental therapist with further training
• Become an orthodontic therapist to help dentists improve appearance and alignment