Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Dental Limited; Heswall; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental practice in Heswall is offering a 12-month apprenticeship in dental nursing. The role includes assisting dentists, managing patient records, and providing chair-side support. Candidates must have GCSEs in English and Maths. This apprenticeship offers potential salary increases and opportunities for progression in the dental field.

Qualifications

• GCSE in English and Maths required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of dental materials and clinical governance.
• Understanding of dental anatomy and hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and support patient experience.
• Sterilise and prepare instruments for clinical use.
• Manage patient records and provide chair-side support.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Customer care

Problem-solving

Administrative skills

Team working

Non-judgemental attitude

Patience

Patient care

Education

GCSE in English (grade 4)

GCSE in Maths (grade 4)

Job description

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.

Key responsibilities

• Reception – answering the phone, greeting patients, dealing with queries, taking payments, booking appointments, managing stock of equipment and supplies.
• Sterilising and preparing instruments and equipment, preparing records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment.
• Recording and managing patient records, charting, oral health assessment, capturing dental history, processing radiographs and images.
• Supporting patients’ wellbeing – managing anxiety, providing preventive advice, monitoring oral health status, arranging follow‑up care.
• Assisting with clinical procedures – providing chair‑side support, preparing, mixing and handling dental materials, implementing decontamination and infection control procedures.
• Assessing patients – evaluating risk factors, clinical signs, medical emergencies, obtaining valid consent, documenting outcomes.
• Communicating effectively – with patients (including those with language barriers or special needs), colleagues, and the public.
• Adhering to legal, professional and ethical standards – maintaining confidentiality, safeguarding, reporting concerns, upholding the National Health Service guidelines.
• Participating in continuous professional development – attending training, reflecting on practice, contributing to evidence‑based care.

Qualifications and skills

• GCSE in English (grade 4) and Maths (grade 4), appointment: £11,778 for your first year, with potential increases.
• Communication skills; organisation, customer care, problem‑solving, administrative skills, team working, non‑judgemental attitude, patience, patient care.
• Understanding of dental materials, hygiene, anatomy, risk assessment, and clinical governance.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the general, oral, craniofacial and dental anatomy, variation across patient populations.

Additional information

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices applies. Training course: Dental nurse (GDC 2023) – Level 3. Hours: 30 hours a week, Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend shifts. Start date: Monday 22 December 2025. Duration: 1 year.

After completing the apprenticeship you may progress to roles such as team manager, team leader, dental practice manager, dental therapist, dental hygienist or orthodontic therapist, depending on further training and experience.