Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Rodericks Dental Limited; Newcastle-under-Lyme; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental practice in Newcastle Under Lyme is offering a Dental Nurse Apprenticeship. Candidates will assist dentists, provide patient care, and receive on-the-job training. Ideal applicants possess strong communication skills and have completed necessary English and Maths qualifications. This role will equip you for a rewarding career in dental nursing.

Benefits

Learn while you earn

Financial and personal incentive schemes

Mentoring and support

Uniform provided

Annual leave package increases with service

Qualifications

• Competency in all aspects of clinical duties.
• Hepatitis B vaccination series completed.
• Clear enhanced DBS check.
• No fear of blood and passion for dental sector.

Responsibilities

• Assisting the dentist in providing safe and effective treatments.
• Providing high level of patient care.
• Setting up and cleaning surgery.
• Maintaining equipment and instruments.
• Managing patient anxiety appropriately.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Organization

Customer care

Patience

Education

Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

English (Grade 4)

Maths (Grade 4)

Job description

Overview

This is an excellent opportunity for someone eager to start a career in dental nursing, based in a friendly practice in Newcastle Under Lyme. 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 pursue 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
• Identifying relevant and appropriate dental, oral, craniofacial and general anatomy, recognising the diversity of anatomy across the patient population
• Evaluating the health risks of prescribed, non‑prescribed and recreational drug use and misuse on oral and general health
• Evaluating the scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and biomaterials, their limitations and selection, with emphasis on those used in dentistry
• Identifying signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma and explaining local and national systems that safeguard the welfare of children and adults
• Identifying signs of normal and abnormal facial growth, physical, mental and dental development milestones and explaining their significance
• Assessing patients' levels of anxiety, experience, and expectations in respect of dental care and oral health
• Contributing to relevant special investigations and diagnostic procedures
• Undertaking orthodontic assessment
• Obtaining valid consent from patients and communicating all relevant factors within legal requirements where appropriate
• Recording an accurate and contemporaneous patient history
• Accurately recording dental charting and oral health assessment performed by other registrants
• Processing and managing dental radiographs and images
• Managing patient anxiety appropriately, effectively and safely
• Monitoring, supporting and reassuring patients through effective communication and behavioural techniques
• Identifying changes in the patient's oral health status and taking appropriate action
• Making arrangements for follow‑up care as prescribed by the operator
• Providing chairside support to the operator during treatment
• Preparing, mixing and handling dental materials
• Identifying and explaining the risks within and around the clinical environment and mitigating them safely and effectively
• Implementing effective decontamination and infection control procedures according to current guidelines
• Preparing and maintaining the clinical environment, including instruments and equipment
• Identifying, assessing and managing medical emergencies
• Providing patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice, instruction and intervention that is accessible, promotes self‑care and motivates compliance with oral health care
• Supporting the management of patients with acute oral conditions ensuring appropriate dental team involvement
• Adopting an evidence‑based approach to clinical practice
• Communicating effectively and sensitively by spoken, written or electronic means with all patients, including those whose first language is not English, and using representatives or interpreters when necessary
• Communicating effectively with the public and with colleagues from dental and other healthcare professions regarding direct patient care, oral health promotion and raising concerns when problems arise
• Maintaining contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice
• Communicating with care, compassion, empathy and respect in all professional interactions with patients, their representatives, the public and colleagues
• Giving feedback effectively to other members of the team
• Respecting the roles of dental and other healthcare professionals within the wider team
• Demonstrating effective teamwork and contributing to the dental care of patients
• Managing, referring or delegating tasks according to the scope of practice of team members, in line with competence and professional practice
• Taking a patient‑centred approach to working with the entire healthcare team
• Raising concerns where appropriate about health, behaviour or professional performance
• Complying with systems and processes that support safe patient care
• Acting in accordance with current best practice guidelines and national and local clinical governance, health and safety requirements
• Acting with integrity, maintaining trust of colleagues, patients and the public across all environments and media
• Demonstrating personal accountability to patients, the regulator, the team and the wider community
• Working in partnership with colleagues to develop and maintain a supportive environment that promotes safety and well‑being of patients and the dental team
• Providing leadership, management and professional responsibility for the actions of colleagues where appropriate
• Supporting patients to negotiate barriers and challenges that prevent access to oral healthcare, particularly for marginalised populations
• Treating all patients, members of the public and colleagues with dignity, respect and without discrimination
• Supporting patients to make informed decisions about their care, prioritising their interests
• Demonstrating cultural competence and respect for diversity
• Advocating for the best possible outcome for patients using knowledge and skills
• Speaking up to protect others from harm
• Evaluating evidence‑based prevention at community and population levels
• Addressing discriminatory language, behaviour and microaggressions from colleagues, patients and other professionals
• Evaluating the role of health promotion in changing community and individual behaviours to deliver health gain
• Evaluating and applying the evidence base in relation to the environmental impacts of common dental treatment methods
• Contributing positively to the healthcare community in which you practise
• Utilising effective feedback in professional development and maintaining personal development planning with reflective practice
• Evaluating the impact of new techniques and technologies relevant to dental nurse practice
• Assessing your own capabilities and limitations, seeking advice from supervisors or colleagues when necessary
• Recognising personal assumptions, biases and prejudices and managing their impact on patient care and professional behaviour
• Managing contextual factors affecting the healthcare environment and patient safety professionally
• Ensuring continuous improvement and personal well‑being through time and resource management
• Underpinning all patient care with a preventive approach that takes account of patient compliance and self‑care for long‑term oral and general health

Qualifications & Requirements

• Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship (competency in all aspects of clinical duties)
• Hepatitis B vaccination series completed
• Clear enhanced DBS check
• English (Grade 4) and Maths (Grade 4) qualifications or equivalent
• Communication, attention to detail, organisation, customer care and patience skills
• Initiative and a passion for working within the dental sector, with no fear of blood

Training & Support

• On‑job training and support within the practice
• Online learning and regular face‑to‑face training sessions
• Completion of a record of experience, written and practical examination
• First aid and medical emergencies training
• Sub‑specialty knowledge modules (endodontic treatments, prosthetics, radiation, periodontics, cavity restoration, oral surgery, etc.) as part of the apprenticeship programme

Benefits & Support

• Learn while you earn – permanent role upon successful completion of the apprenticeship
• Financial and personal incentive schemes, including extra annual leave on your birthday
• Mentoring and support from a regional trainer
• Uniform provided and retail discounts through a dedicated app
• Referral bonus scheme for friends and colleagues
• Annual leave package that increases with length of service

Location & Working Hours

The apprenticeship is based in Newcastle Under Lyme. Working days will follow the practice’s standard NHS and private operating hours.