Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Dental Limited; Halifax; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 13,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental practice in Halifax is seeking a dental nursing apprentice to support dentists and enhance patient experiences. This 12-month government-funded apprenticeship involves reception duties, managing patient records, and providing chair-side assistance. Candidates should have GCSEs in English and Maths, along with strong communication and organisational skills. The role offers £11,778 for the first year, along with training in Level 3 Advanced Dental Nursing, working Monday to Friday, 30 hours per week.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths are essential.
• Effective communication skills with patients and colleagues.
• Organisational skills to manage patient records and appointments.

Responsibilities

• Provide chair-side support to dentists during procedures.
• Manage stock and supplies of dental materials.
• Communicate effectively with patients.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Customer care skills

Problem-solving skills

Administrative skills

Team working ability

Non-judgemental attitude

Patience

Patient care focus

Education

GCSEs in English (grade 4)

GCSEs in Maths (grade 4)

Job description

About the Apprenticeship

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. The day‑to‑day duties of a dental nurse can span across all areas of the practice and can include:

Key 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
• Assisting with dental examinations and treatments
• Managing patient anxiety and providing reassurance
• Preparing, mixing and handling dental materials
• Co‑ordinating dental radiographs and images
• Providing chairside support during operative procedures
• Recording accurate, contemporaneous patient histories and dental charting
• Maintaining a clean, safe clinical environment and following infection control protocols
• Managing medical emergencies within scope of practice
• Plan and deliver personalised preventive advice and oral health education
• Assist in the management of acute oral conditions with appropriate team members
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, their carers and colleagues in written, spoken and electronic formats
• Provide feedback to team members and support their professional development
• Adopt an evidence‑based approach to clinical practice and continuous improvement
• Uphold professional standards, ethical practice and patient confidentiality

Qualifications & Skills

• GCSEs in English (grade 4) and Maths (grade 4)
• Communication skills
• Organisational skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem‑solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Team working ability
• Non‑judgemental attitude
• Patience
• Patient care focus
• Optional: Functional Skills if required

Training & Remuneration

£11,778 for your first year, with potential increases depending on your age and experience. Training will take place at the dental surgery, covering Level 3 Advanced Dental Nursing (A Level) Apprenticeship Standard (GDC 2023). Working hours are Monday to Friday, 30 hours per week, with some evening and weekend work as required. Start date: 11 January 2026.

Career Pathways

• Team manager / team leader / dental practice manager
• Dental therapist – routine dentistry
• Dental hygienist – oral care promotion
• Orthodontic therapist – tooth alignment and appearance improvement