Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Dental Limited; City Of London; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 14,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental practice in the City Of London is offering a 12-month government-funded apprenticeship in dental nursing. This role involves assisting dentists, managing patient experiences, and maintaining clinical environments. Candidates should possess GCSEs in English and Maths and demonstrate strong communication and organizational skills. The apprenticeship offers a starting salary of £11,778 for the first year and is an excellent entry into a career in dental care.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and provide chair-side support.
• Reception duties including answering the phone and greeting patients.
• Manage patient queries and bookings.
• Sterilizing and preparing equipment.
• Maintain accurate patient records.
• Communicate effectively with patients.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisation skills

Customer care skills

Problem solving skills

Administrative skills

Team working

Non-judgemental attitude

Patience and patient care

Education

GCSE in English (grade 4)

GCSE in Maths (grade 4)

Job description

Overview

The apprenticeship in dental nursing is a 12-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. Provide efficient and reliable chair-side support to the dental surgery. The day-to-day duties of a dental nurse can span across all areas of the practice and can include the following responsibilities:

Responsibilities

• Reception including answering the phone and greeting patients
• Dealing with patient queries
• Taking payments
• Booking appointments and follow-ups
• Sterilising and preparing equipment for dentists
• Recording and dealing with patient records
• Supporting patients\' wellbeing and dental experience
• Cleaning dental areas including chairs
• Managing stock of equipment and supplies
• Provide chairside support to the operator during treatment
• Prepare, mix and handle dental materials
• Identify and explain the risks within and around the clinical environment and manage these in a safe and effective manner
• Implement, perform, and manage effective decontamination and infection control procedures according to current guidelines
• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment including the instruments and equipment
• Identify, assess, and manage medical emergencies
• Undertake orthodontic assessment
• Obtain valid consent from patients explaining all relevant factors and taking into account the legal requirements where appropriate within scope of practice
• Record an accurate and contemporaneous patient history
• Accurately record dental charting as carried out by other appropriate registrants
• Accurately record an oral health assessment
• Process and manage dental radiographs and images
• Provide patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice, instruction, and intervention
• Adopt an evidence-based approach to clinical practice
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, public, and colleagues in relation to care, health promotion, and concerns as they arise
• Maintain contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice

Qualifications and Skills

• GCSE in English (grade 4) and Maths (grade 4)
• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Team working
• Non-judgemental attitude
• Patience and patient care

Hours, Salary and Start

Hours: Standard shift is Monday to Friday; some evening and weekend work may be required depending on the rota. Shifts TBC. 30 hours a week. Start date: Monday 22 December 2025. Duration: 1 year.

Notes

The apprenticeship is level 3 Dental nurse (GDC 2023). Salary: £11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on age. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know. After completion, there are potential progression paths such as team manager, dental therapist, hygienist, or orthodontic therapist depending on training and experience.