Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

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

Job summary

A dental practice in the United Kingdom offers a 12-month apprenticeship in dental nursing. The role encompasses assisting dentists, managing patient care, and administrative tasks. Apprentices will receive £11,778 in the first year, with opportunities for progression into roles such as dental therapist or practice manager. The position requires GCSEs in English and Maths and emphasizes teamwork, communication, and a patient-focused approach. Training occurs on-site with a mix of hours, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• GCSEs in English (grade 4) and Maths (grade 4) are required.
• Communication and organisational skills are essential.
• Experience in customer care and teamwork will be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Answering phone calls and greeting patients at the reception.
• Dealing with patient queries and managing appointment bookings.
• Preparing and sterilising dental equipment for procedures.
• Providing chair-side support during examinations and treatments.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Customer care skills

Problem-solving skills

Administrative skills

Team working ability

Non-judgemental attitude

Patience

Patient care focus

Education

GCSE in English (grade 4)

GCSE 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