Apprentice Dental Nurse

Dental Limited; Cromer; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental practice in Cromer is offering an 18-month government-funded apprenticeship in dental nursing. This role includes assisting dentists, managing patient records, and performing reception duties. The apprenticeship provides valuable skills for pursuing future roles in dentistry, with a competitive first-year salary and training by City & Guilds.

Qualifications

• Must possess GCSEs in Maths and English at grade 4 or higher.
• Functional Skills in English & maths at level 2 qualifications required unless exempt.
• Strong communication and customer care skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists with various tasks in the practice.
• Handle reception duties including greeting patients and booking appointments.
• Sterilize and prepare equipment for dental procedures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Customer care skills

IT skills

Organisational skills

Team working

Education

GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4)

Functional Skills English & maths level 2

Job description

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 & preparing equipment, reception duties, and supporting patient experience.

The day-to-day duties of a dental nurse can span across all areas of the practice and can include:

• Reception including answering the phone and greeting patients
• Dealing with patient queries
• Taking payments
• Booking appointments and follow-ups
• Sterilising and preparing equipment for Dentists
• Recording and dealing with patient records
• Supporting patients' wellbeing and dental experience
• Cleaning dental areas including chairs
• Managing stock of equipment and supplies
• Any other duties to support the Dentists and senior team to provide effective patient care

Key responsibilities will also include:

• Identifying relevant and appropriate dental, oral, craniofacial, and general anatomy
• Evaluating the health risks of prescribed, non-prescribed, and recreational drug use and misuse on oral and general health
• Identifying the signs of abuse, neglect, or emotional trauma
• Assessing patients' levels of anxiety, experience, and expectations in respect of dental care and oral health

With experience, you may be able to move into jobs like team manager, team leader, or dental practice manager. With further training, you could become a dental therapist, helping a dentist carry out the more routine dentistry work, or a dental hygienist, helping people to look after their teeth and gums.

This qualification is a level 3 advanced apprenticeship accredited by City & Guilds and is delivered nationwide through blended interactive E-Learning. Upon achievement, the apprentice will be awarded a Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3.

The apprenticeship requires:

• Functional Skills English & maths level 2 qualifications unless already exempt
• GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4)
• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Administrative skills
• Team working
• Non-judgemental
• Patience

The apprenticeship details are as follows:

• Salary: £15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
• Hours: Monday - Friday, 8.45am - 5.00pm, 40 hours a week
• Start date: Wednesday, 29 October 2025
• Duration: 1 year 6 months