Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

My Dentist; Cullompton; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading dental network in Cullompton is looking for an Apprentice Dental Nurse to support clinicians and help deliver high-quality dental treatments. The role includes managing patient records, assisting in procedures, and achieving a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing. This is a full-time position with excellent training and progression opportunities within a supportive team.

Benefits

Support for Level 3 apprenticeship

Health and wellbeing benefits

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• You will achieve a level 3 in Dental Nursing.
• Physical fitness and motivation to learn are essential.
• Desire to help patients and resilience are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Support clinicians to deliver high-quality dental treatment.
• Manage patient records and deal with queries.
• Provide chairside support during treatment.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisation

Teamwork

Initiative

Physical fitness

Resilience

Education

GCSE in Maths & English (grade 4) or equivalent

Job description

As an Apprentice Dental Nurse, you'll support clinicians to deliver a range of high-quality dental treatments and help the smooth running of your surgery and the practice. You will enjoy being part of a team that's passionate about caring for patients and helping the nation smile. Alongside your role, you will achieve a level 3 in Dental Nursing.

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' well-being and dental experience
• Cleaning dental areas, including chairs
• Managing stock of equipment and supplies
• Any other duties to support the dentists and senior team to provide effective patient care
• Identify relevant and appropriate dental, oral, craniofacial, and general anatomy, recognising the diversity of anatomy across the patient population
• Evaluate health risks of drug use on oral and general health
• Evaluate the scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and biomaterials used in dentistry
• Identify signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma and understand safeguarding welfare systems
• Identify signs of normal and abnormal facial growth and dental development milestones
• Assess patients' levels of anxiety, experience, and expectations in respect of dental care and oral health
• Contribute to relevant investigations and diagnostic procedures
• Undertake orthodontic assessment
• Obtain valid consent from patients within the scope of practice
• Record accurate and contemporaneous patient history and dental charting
• Prepare records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment
• Process and manage dental radiographs and images
• Manage patient anxiety, support and reassure patients through effective communication
• Identify changes in the patient's oral health status and take appropriate action
• Make arrangements for follow-up care as prescribed
• Provide chairside support to the operator during treatment
• Prepare, mix and handle dental materials
• Identify and explain risks within and around the clinical environment and manage these safely
• Implement, perform, and manage decontamination and infection control procedures
• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment and equipment
• Identify, assess, and manage medical emergencies
• Provide personalised preventive advice and promote self-care to maintain oral health
• Support management of patients with acute oral conditions with appropriate team involvement
• Adopt an evidence-based approach to clinical practice
• Communicate effectively with patients, the public and colleagues, including those with language barriers or challenging behaviour
• Maintain complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements
• Demonstrate care, empathy and respect in all professional interactions
• Demonstrate effective teamwork and contribute to patient care as part of the dental team
• Lead, manage or delegate work where appropriate within scope of practice
• Support patients to access oral healthcare and respect diversity
• Treat patients and colleagues with dignity and respect, without discrimination
• Provide informed decision-making support to patients, prioritising their interests
• Demonstrate cultural competence and professional responsibility
• Speak up to protect others from harm and evaluate prevention at community or population level
• Address discriminatory language and promote health promotion considering environmental factors
• Contribute to healthcare communities and evaluate evidence base
• Use feedback for professional development and maintain personal development planning
• Evaluate new techniques and technologies relevant to dental nurse practice
• Assess personal capabilities and seek advice where appropriate

Qualifications

• GCSE in Maths & English (grade 4) or equivalent
• Communication skills, attention to detail, organisation, teamwork, initiative
• Physical fitness, motivation to learn, desire to help, resilience

Benefits

• You’ll join a leading dental network delivering high-quality dentistry
• Support to complete the Level 3 apprenticeship via Tempdent and ongoing professional development
• National and local benefits, including training and progression opportunities
• Training course: Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship with City & Guilds; EPA on completion
• Training location: at your job role and online; off-the-job training provided and paid
• Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm; 40 hours per week
• Start date: 21 October 2025; duration: 1 year 6 months
• Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3 on completion
• Health and wellbeing benefits, discounts, and insurance fully funded
• Career progression paths available within MyDentist

Start Your Journey: Build a fulfilling career with us, where you’ll develop your skills within a caring and inclusive team that supports each other.