Apprentice Dental Nurse - Sheffield

Southyorkshireapprenticeships; Sheffield; Hybrid; GBP 12,000 - 16,000; Part time

Job summary

Tempdent is offering an 18‑month government funded apprenticeship in dental nursing. The programme combines practical chairside support with learning through City & Guilds, a Level 3 Extended Diploma.

You will assist dentists, sterilise equipment, and manage reception duties while ensuring GDPR compliance and patient confidentiality. Day‑to‑day duties include welcoming patients, scheduling appointments, preparing surgeries, maintaining infection control to CQC standards and updating patient

Qualifications

• Ability to provide patient-centred chairside support.
• Understanding of infection control and practice hygiene standards.
• Awareness of GDPR and patient confidentiality requirements.

Responsibilities

• Welcoming patients and assisting with appointment scheduling.
• Preparing surgeries, sterilising instruments and maintaining infection control.
• Assisting clinicians during treatments and updating patient records.
• Supporting patient comfort, stock management and clinic readiness.

Skills

Patient care

Infection control

GDPR compliance

Communication

Reception duties

Education

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 & 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.