Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Rodericks Dental Limited; Stafford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental practice in Stafford is offering an 18-month apprenticeship in dental nursing, providing a Level 3 Extended Diploma upon completion. The role includes assisting dentists, managing patient queries, and providing excellent patient care. Ideal candidates possess strong communication skills and are detail-oriented, with a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Qualifications

• Must complete a level 3 advanced apprenticeship accredited by City & Guilds.
• Completion results in Diploma in Dental Nursing Level.

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists with clinical procedures and patient care.
• Manage patient records and ensure cleanliness of dental areas.
• Support patients throughout their dental experience.

Skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Organisation skills

Customer care skills

Problem solving skills

Team working

Initiative

Non-judgemental

Patience

Education

GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4) or equivalent

Functional Skills English and maths level 2 qualifications

Job description

The apprenticeship in dental nursing is an 18-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.

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
• Any other duties to support the dentists and senior team to provide effective patient care
• Identify relevant and appropriate dental, oral, craniofacial, and general anatomy, recognising the diversity of anatomy across the patient population
• Evaluate the health risks of prescribed, non-prescribed and recreational drug use and misuse on oral and general health
• Evaluate the scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and biomaterials, their limitations and selection, with emphasis on those used in dentistry
• Identify the signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma, explain local and national systems that safeguard the welfare of children and adults
• Identify the signs of normal and abnormal facial growth, physical, mental and dental development milestones and explain their significance
• Assess patients' levels of anxiety, experience, and expectations in respect of dental care and oral health
• Contribute to relevant special investigations and diagnostic procedures
• Undertake orthodontic assessment
• Obtain valid consent from patients explaining all the relevant factors and taking into account the legal requirements where appropriate within scope of practice
• Record an accurate and contemporaneous patient history
• Accurately record dental charting as carried out by other appropriate registrants
• Accurately record an oral health assessment
• Prepare records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment
• Process and manage dental radiographs and images
• Manage patient anxiety appropriately, effectively, and safely
• Monitor, support and reassure patients through effective communication and behavioural techniques
• Identify changes in the patient's reported oral health status and take appropriate action
• Make arrangements for follow-up care as prescribed by the operator
• Provide chairside support to the operator during treatment
• Prepare, mix and handle dental materials
• Identify and explain the risks within and around the clinical environment and manage these in a safe and effective manner
• Implement, perform, and manage effective decontamination and infection control procedures according to current guidelines
• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment including the instruments and equipment
• Identify, assess, and manage medical emergencies
• Provide patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice, instruction, and intervention in a manner which is accessible, promotes self-care and motivates patients/carers to comply with advice and take responsibility to maintain and improve oral health
• Support the management of patients with acute oral conditions ensuring involvement of appropriate dental team members
• Adopt an evidence-based approach to clinical practice
• Communicate effectively and sensitively, tailoring to context, with all patients, including those whose first language is not English
• Communicate effectively and sensitively with the public and with colleagues from dental and other healthcare professions
• Maintain contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice
• Communicate with care, compassion, empathy and respect in all professional interactions
• Demonstrate effective teamwork and contribute to your team in providing dental care for patients
• Where appropriate, manage, refer or delegate work according to the scope of practice of members of the dental team
• Take a patient-centred approach to working with the dental and wider healthcare team
• Raise concerns where appropriate about your own or others' health, behaviour or professional performance
• Comply with systems and processes to support safe patient care
• Act in accordance with current best practice guidelines and health and safety requirements
• Act within the legal frameworks which inform personal behaviour and the delivery of healthcare
• Act with integrity and maintain the trust of colleagues, patients, and the public
• Demonstrate personal accountability to patients, the regulator, the team and wider community
• Work in partnership with colleagues to develop and maintain an effective environment which promotes patient and team safety and wellbeing
• Where appropriate lead, manage and take professional responsibility for the actions of colleagues involved in patient care
• Support patients to negotiate barriers to accessing oral healthcare, including those from marginalised populations
• Treat patients, the public, and colleagues with dignity and respect without discrimination
• Support patients to make informed decisions about their care and promote diversity and inclusion
• Demonstrate cultural competence and respect for diversity
• Provide the best possible outcome for patients using knowledge and skills and acting as a patient advocate where appropriate
• Speak up to protect others from harm
• Evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based prevention at community or population level
• Address discriminatory language, behaviour and microaggressions
• Evaluate health promotion in changing environments and behaviours to deliver health gain
• Evaluate and apply evidence on environmental impacts of dental care methods
• Contribute positively to healthcare communities
• Utilise effective feedback for professional development and maintain reflective practice
• Develop and maintain professional knowledge and competence
• Demonstrate engagement with systems and wellbeing strategies, and pursue continuous improvement
• Manage time and resources effectively
• Underpin patient care with a preventive approach to support long-term oral and general health

Career progression

• With experience you may move into roles such as team manager, team leader or dental practice manager
• With further training you could become a dental therapist or dental hygienist
• You could train as an orthodontic therapist

Qualifications & additional notes

• This qualification is a level 3 advanced apprenticeship accredited by City & Guilds and is delivered nationwide through blended interactive e-learning
• Upon achievement, the apprentice will be awarded a Diploma in Dental Nursing Level
• Functional Skills English and maths level 2 qualifications unless exempt
• GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4) or equivalent
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non-judgemental
• Patience