Apprentice Dental Nurse

Dental Surgery Group - Harlow Dental; Harlow; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 16,000; Full time

Job summary

Dental Surgery Group - Harlow Dental is offering a government-funded apprenticeship in dental nursing (18 months) via City & Guilds. You will support clinicians, sterilise equipment, and help with patient experience, while learning on the job.

The role covers reception duties, infection control to CQC standards, GDPR-compliant record updates, and working Monday to Friday. On completion you can progress to senior roles or further training in dental hygiene or therapy.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English at grade 4 or above is desired.
• Administrative, IT and communication skills are essential for role.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming patients and assisting with appointment scheduling.
• Preparing surgeries, sterilising instruments, maintaining infection control to CQC standards.
• Assisting clinicians during treatments and updating patient records in line with GDPR.
• Supporting patients’ comfort and overall dental experience.
• Managing stock and keeping the surgery ready.

Skills

Administrative Skills

Analytical Skills

Attention to Detail

Customer Care Skills

Initiative

IT Skills

Communication Skills

Teamworking

Problem Solving Skills

Education

GCSE Maths

GCSE English

Job description

Introduction

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.

About the Employer

An inclusive dental practice offering mixed NHS and private treatments, focused on developing the next generation of dental nurses.

What You'll Do

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 Dental Nurse duties may include:

• 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

Training Outcome

A career in dental nursing can grow in many rewarding directions. With experience, you could progress into roles such as Senior Dental Nurse, Lead Nurse, Treatment Coordinator, or Practice Manager. With further training, you could develop into a Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist, delivering preventative, restorative, and routine treatments to patients. You could also specialise as an Orthodontic Therapist, working with dental professionals to improve the alignment and appearance of patients’ teeth. The dental sector offers clear progression routes, recognised qualifications, and ongoing professional development to support your long-term career goals.

Skills Required

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

Qualifications

• Desired - GCSE - Maths - 4
• Desired - GCSE - English - 4

Course Information

Course: Dental nurse (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Health and science

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday to Friday, 8.15am- 5.15pm.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 6 Months

Training Provider: TEMP DENT DENTAL AGENCY LIMITED