Dental Nurse Apprentice

Nottingham College; Ruddington; Hybrid; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Nottingham College is seeking a Dental Nurse to support the dentist and the dental team in delivering safe, compassionate patient care. You will prepare the surgery, assist during treatments and help maintain equipment and records.

This role focuses on infection control, clear patient communication, and a caring, professional approach. It offers practical skill development and progression within the dental nursing career.

Qualifications

• Preparing the surgery before and after appointments and maintaining instruments.
• Following infection prevention and control procedures and sterilising equipment.
• Communicating with patients before, during and after treatment.
• Assisting the dentist across a range of treatments and managing stock.
• Organised, reliable, able to work in a team and stay calm in busy situations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and clean the treatment room between patients.
• Assist dentist during procedures and ensure materials are ready.
• Sterilise instruments and maintain high hygiene standards.
• Record patient information and help with appointment management.
• Support stock control and administrative tasks as needed.

Job description

As a Dental Nurse, you will play an important role in supporting the dentist and wider dental team while helping to ensure patients receive safe, professional and compassionate care. You will work closely with patients throughout their appointments, helping them feel comfortable and reassured while maintaining a calm, welcoming and professional environment.

Your duties will include:

Preparing the surgery before and after appointments, setting up and maintaining dental instruments and equipment, assisting the dentist during a wide range of treatments, and ensuring that the correct materials and instruments are available when needed.

You will also be responsible for following strict infection prevention and control procedures, cleaning and sterilising instruments, maintaining high standards of hygiene and ensuring the surgery is safe and ready for each patient.

You will communicate with patients before, during and after their treatment, provide reassurance where needed and help explain basic information about their care. You may also assist with taking and processing dental radiographs once appropriately trained, maintaining accurate patient records and supporting the team with administrative duties such as appointment management and stock control.

A Dental Nurse must be organised, reliable and able to work well as part of a team, while also being able to remain calm and professional in busy situations. Good communication, attention to detail and a caring attitude are essential, as you will work with patients of different ages and backgrounds every day.

This role provides an excellent opportunity to develop practical clinical skills, gain valuable experience within a dental practice and build a rewarding long-term career in dental nursing, with opportunities to continue learning and progress within the dental profession.