Apprentice Dental Nurse

Southyorkshireapprenticeships; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Southyorkshireapprenticeships is offering an 18-month government-funded apprenticeship in dental nursing, leading to a City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma. The role combines training with real clinical experience, assisting dentists, sterilising equipment, and supporting patient care.

You will provide efficient chairside support, handle reception tasks, manage stock, and ensure infection control to CQC standards, while maintaining GDPR-compliant records and patient confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship pathway with a formal dental nursing diploma.
• Government-funded 18-month program.
• On-the-job training alongside clinical duties.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming patients and assisting with appointment scheduling.
• Handling basic patient enquiries professionally.
• Preparing surgeries, sterilising instruments and maintaining infection control to CQC standards.
• Assisting clinicians during treatments and updating patient records in line with GDPR.
• Supporting patients’ comfort, reassurance and overall dental experience.
• Collaborating with dentists and the wider team to deliver safe, efficient care.

Education

City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing

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 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 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

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.

About the Training

Provided by Tempdent:

• Functional Skills (if applicable)
• Quarterly start dates throughout the year
• Induction and regular progress support

About the Employer

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