Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Rodericks Dental Limited; Dry Sandford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental practice in Oxford is seeking an Apprentice Dental Nurse to provide chairside support to dental professionals. The role includes assisting with various treatments and ensuring excellent patient care. Apprentices will receive hands-on training along with theoretical knowledge to develop their skills in a supportive environment. Candidates should possess GCSEs in English and Maths and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Eligible GCSE qualifications in English and Maths.
• Good communication and IT skills.
• Ability to work in a team with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Assist the dentist with treatments and patient care.
• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment.
• Communicate effectively with patients.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

IT skills

Organisation and customer care skills

Education

GCSE or equivalent: English and Maths (grade 4 or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

Are you looking to start a career in dental nursing? Based in a friendly practice in Oxford. The role will involve providing chairside support to dental professionals and delivering a high level of oral health care to patients. During the Dental Nurse Apprenticeship, you will receive ongoing support, development and training to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to qualify and have a successful career in dental nursing.

Responsibilities

• Assisting the dentist in providing safe and effective treatments to patients, from simple check-ups to advanced specialist treatments
• Providing patients with a high level of care
• Setting up and cleaning surgery
• Sterilising instruments
• Updating patient records
• Maintaining equipment
• Preparing instruments and materials for various treatments
• Adhering to practice policies and procedures
• Prepare and manage records, images, and materials for clinical assessment
• Process and manage dental radiographs and images
• Manage patient anxiety appropriately, effectively and safely
• Monitor, support and reassure patients through effective communication and behavioural techniques
• Provide chairside support to the operator during treatment
• Prepare, mix and handle dental materials
• 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
• Provide patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice to promote self-care and oral health
• Underpin all patient care with a preventive approach and contribute to long-term oral and general health
• Communicate effectively with all patients, including those whose first language is not English, using interpreters where necessary
• Maintain contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice
• Demonstrate a patient-centred approach and work in a dental and wider healthcare team

Training and Schedule

The apprenticeship provides employment and training within a dental practice to study the Level 3 dental nurse apprenticeship. The programme teaches knowledge, skills and behaviours to ensure competency in clinical duties, including:

• Preparing for Professional Practice in Dental Nursing
• Infection Prevention and Control
• First Aid and Medical Emergencies
• Oral and General Health
• Endodontic Treatments
• Prosthetic Treatments
• Radiation and Radiography
• Periodontal Disease and Cavity Restoration
• Health and Safety
• Exctractions and Minor Oral Surgery
• Management of Oral Health Diseases and Dental Anatomy, Oral Health Assessments and Treatment Planning
• Use of VR Technology

Requirements and Qualifications

• GCSE or equivalent: English and Maths (grade 4 or equivalent)
• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation and customer care skills
• A passion to work in the dental sector; willingness to work with blood; public transport accessibility is important
• Hepatitis B vaccination and enhanced DBS clearance

Additional Information

During your working day, the practice will support you with practical skills while your training provider (Aspiration Training) will teach the theory online with regular teaching and 1-2-1 sessions. Off-the-job training will be provided during paid working hours.