Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Dental Limited; Clay Cross CP; On-site; GBP 12,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental surgery is offering a 12-month apprenticeship in dental nursing. The role involves assisting dentists, managing patient queries, and providing chairside support. Candidates must have GCSEs in English and Maths and display strong communication and organizational skills. This position offers a starting salary of £11,778, with opportunities for progression in various dental roles. The apprenticeship is a great opportunity to kickstart a career in the dental field.

Responsibilities

• Answering the phone and greeting patients.
• Dealing with patient queries.
• Preparing equipment for dentists.
• Providing chairside support during treatment.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Customer care

Problem solving

Administrative skills

Team-working skills

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 & preparing equipment, reception duties and supporting patient experience. Provide efficient and reliable chair-side support to the dental surgery.

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 records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment
• Process and manage dental radiographs and images
• Manage patient anxiety effectively and safely
• Monitor, support and reassure patients through effective communication and behavioural techniques
• Identify changes in the patient\'s oral health status and take appropriate action
• Provide patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice and instruction
• Underpin all patient care with a preventive approach to contribute to long-term oral and general health
• Adopt an evidence-based approach to clinical practice
• Communicate effectively with patients, public, and colleagues using spoken, written and electronic means
• Maintain contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records
• Respect and work with colleagues across dental and wider healthcare teams
• Demonstrate effective team working and professional responsibility
• Identify, assess and manage medical emergencies
• Identify relevant dental, oral, craniofacial, and general anatomy across diverse patient populations
• Explain safeguarding welfare systems for children and adults
• Obtain valid consent and record a patient history accurately
• Prepare, manage and decontaminate clinical environments and equipment according to guidelines
• Provide preventive advice and promote self-care to patients and carers
• Comply with clinical governance, health, safety requirements and best practice guidelines
• Raise concerns about health, behaviour or performance when appropriate
• Demonstrate cultural competence and respect for diversity

Qualifications

• GCSE in English (grade 4) and Maths (grade 4)
• Communication, organisation, customer care, problem solving, administrative, and team-working skills
• Non-judgemental, patient, and able to work as part of a team

Details

• Hours: Monday to Friday, 30 hours per week; shifts to be confirmed; some evening and weekend work may be required depending on the rota
• Start date: Friday 13 March 2026
• Duration: 1 year
• Salary: £11,778 for your first year, with potential increases depending on age and progression
• Location: dental surgery training site; training will take place at the dental surgery
• Apprenticeship standard: Dental Nurse (GDC 2023) Level 3

Progression

• With experience, progression options include roles such as team manager or dental practice manager
• Further training could lead to roles such as dental therapist, dental hygienist, or orthodontic therapist