Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Dental Limited; Little Chalfont; On-site; GBP 11,000 - 14,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental training provider in Little Chalfont is offering a 12-month apprenticeship in dental nursing. The role involves supporting dentists with tasks such as sterilising equipment and managing patient care. Qualifications include GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4. The position pays £11,778 in the first year and requires 30 hours per week, with possible shifts in the evenings and weekends. There are opportunities for career progression into managerial roles or dental therapies.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4 required.
• Effective communication and organisational skills necessary.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

Responsibilities

• Answer phone calls and greet patients.
• Handle patient queries and take payments.
• Sterilise and prepare equipment for dentists.
• Provide chairside support during treatment.
• Monitor, support and reassure patients.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisation skills

Customer care skills

Problem-solving skills

Administrative skills

Team-working

Non-judgemental attitude

Patience

Education

GCSE English – grade 4

GCSE 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 learning, you will support dentists by sterilising equipment, performing reception duties, and enhancing the patient experience.

Responsibilities

• Reception duties – answer phone calls and greet patients.
• Handle patient queries and take payments.
• Book appointments, follow‑ups, and manage patient records.
• Sterilise and prepare equipment for dentists.
• Clean dental chairs and surrounding areas.
• Manage stock of equipment and supplies.
• Identify relevant dental, oral, craniofacial and general anatomy.
• Evaluate health risks of prescribed, non‑prescribed and recreational drug use.
• Evaluate scientific principles underpinning dental materials and Biomaterials.
• Identify signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma, and apply safeguarding systems.
• Identify abnormal facial growth and developmental milestones.
• Assess patient anxiety, experience and expectations regarding dental care.
• Contribute to diagnostic investigations and special procedures.
• Undertake orthodontic assessment where required.
• Obtain valid consent, explaining all relevant factors within legal scope.
• Record accurate patient history, charting and oral health assessment.
• Prepare records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment.
• Process and manage dental radiographs and images.
• Manage patient anxiety safely and effectively.
• Monitor, support and reassure patients through communication and behavioural techniques.
• Identify changes in oral health status and take appropriate action.
• Arrange follow‑up care as prescribed by the operator.
• Provide chairside support during treatment.
• Prepare, mix and handle dental materials.
• Identify and explain risks in the clinical environment and manage them safely.
• Perform infection control and decontamination according to current guidelines.
• Maintain and prepare the clinical environment, instruments and equipment.
• Identify and manage medical emergencies.
• Provide patients/carers with personalised preventive advice and instruction.
• Support management of acute oral conditions with appropriate team members.
• Adopt an evidence‑based approach to clinical practice.
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with all patients, including those with limited English or special needs.
• Communicate with credibility and compassion with the public and colleagues.
• Maintain contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in line with legal requirements.
• Give constructive feedback and demonstrate effective teamwork.
• Act with integrity, comply with legal frameworks and promote patient trust.
• Work in partnership, lead, manage and take professional responsibility where appropriate.
• Support patients to negotiate barriers and promote inclusive care.
• Demonstrate cultural competence, respect diversity and uphold ethical standards.
• Continuously improve patient care through evidence‑based practice.
• Effectively manage time and resources for optimal patient outcomes.

Qualifications & Skills

• GCSE English – grade 4
• GCSE Maths – grade 4
• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem‑solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Team‑working
• Non‑judgemental attitude
• Patience

Pay & Hours

£11,778 for the first year. Pay may increase depending on age. 30 hours a week, Monday to Friday – shifts may include evenings and weekends.

Training & Learning

The apprenticeship will take place at the dental surgery. Training is a Level 3, 30‑hour a week apprenticeship standard (Dental Nurse GDC 2023). Start date: Sunday 11 January 2026. The course is government‑funded and covers clinical, reception and hygiene duties.

Career Progression

With experience you may progress to team manager, team leader or dental practice manager. Further training allows you to become a dental therapist, hygienist or orthodontic therapist.