Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

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

Job summary

A dental practice in Chesham is offering an apprenticeship in dental nursing lasting 12 months, supported by City & Guilds, leading to a Level 3 Extended Diploma. The role includes reception duties, assisting dentists, and maintaining equipment. Candidates need GCSEs in English and Maths along with strong communication and patient-care skills. Salary starts at £11,778 for the first year, with 30 hours of work per week.

Qualifications

• Communication, organisational and customer-care skills required.
• Problem-solving, administrative and team-working abilities expected.
• Non-judgemental attitude, patience, and patient-care focus are essential.

Responsibilities

• Answer phones, greet patients and book appointments.
• Sterilise and prepare dental equipment for dentists.
• Record and manage patient records accurately.
• Support patient wellbeing and enhance their experience.
• Implement infection control and decontamination procedures.
• Manage medical emergencies and provide emergency care support.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Customer-care skills

Problem-solving abilities

Team-working abilities

Education

GCSE in English (grade 4)

GCSE in Maths (grade 4)

Job description

The apprenticeship in dental nursing is a 12‑month government‑funded course provided by City & Guilds, leading to 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.

Responsibilities

• Reception, answering phones, greeting patients and booking appointments.
• Dealing with patient queries and taking payments.
• Sterilising and preparing equipment for dentists.
• Recording and managing patient records.
• Supporting patients’ wellbeing and enhancing their dental experience.
• Maintaining and cleaning dental areas, including chairs and instruments.
• Managing stock of equipment and supplies.
• Assisting with orthodontic assessment and special investigations.
• Obtaining valid consent and recording accurate patient histories.
• Preparing, mixing and handling dental materials.
• Managing patient anxiety, monitoring behaviour and providing reassurance.
• Processing and managing dental radiographs and images.
• Implementing infection control and decontamination procedures.
• Managing medical emergencies and providing emergency care support.
• Providing preventive advice, instruction and intervention to patients/carers.
• Communicating effectively with patients, the public and the dental team.
• Maintaining contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records.
• Giving feedback and supporting teamwork within the dental practice.
• Acting within legal, ethical and best‑practice frameworks.

Qualifications & Skills

• GCSE in English (grade 4) and Maths (grade 4).
• Communication, organisational and customer‑care skills.
• Problem‑solving, administrative and team‑working abilities.
• Non‑judgemental attitude, patience and patient‑care focus.

Salary & Hours

£11,778 for the first year, with potential increases based on age. 30 hours per week, Monday to Friday (some evenings and weekends may be required).

Start Date & Duration

Start: 11 January 2026. Duration: 1 year.

Career Progression

• Team manager, team leader or dental practice manager.
• Dental therapist or hygienist with further training.
• Orthodontic therapist with specialised training.