Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Dental Design Studio

Dental Limited; Scunthorpe; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental clinic in Scunthorpe is offering a Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship. As an apprentice, you'll assist dentists, manage patient records, and ensure a safe and welcoming environment for patients. This 18-month course involves online study complemented by practical experience and is essential for those looking to advance in the dental profession.

Benefits

End Point Assessment provided

Paid off-the-job training

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Ability to assist dentists effectively.
• Skills in cleaning and preparing dental equipment.
• Strong customer service orientation.

Responsibilities

• Assist in clinical procedures and patient care.
• Manage appointment scheduling and patient records.
• Ensure cleanliness and safety in the dental environment.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Patient care

Organization

Education

Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Standard

Job description

Overview

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 with patients, the public and colleagues in relation to care, health promotion and professional interactions
• Maintain contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice
• Demonstrate respect, care, compassion, empathy and professionalism in all interactions
• Demonstrate effective team working and contribute to dental care for patients
• Where appropriate manage, refer or delegate work according to the scope of practice of the dental team
• Take a patient-centred approach and raise concerns about health, behaviour or professional performance where appropriate
• 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 legal frameworks informing personal behaviour and the protection and promotion of patient health
• Demonstrate professional responsibility and maintain trust with patients, the regulator, and the wider community
• Work with colleagues to create a safe and supportive environment for patient and team wellbeing
• Lead or take professional responsibility where appropriate and support patients to access oral healthcare for diverse populations
• Treat patients and colleagues with dignity and respect, without discrimination
• Support patients to make informed decisions about care
• Demonstrate cultural competence and respect for diversity
• Provide the best possible outcomes by using knowledge and advocating for patient needs
• Speak up to protect others from harm
• Evaluate and apply evidence-based prevention and health promotion at community levels
• Contribute to healthcare communities and evaluate evidence base
• Utilise feedback for professional development and engage in reflective practice
• Develop and maintain professional knowledge and competence
• Demonstrate wellbeing strategies and continuous improvement activities
• Manage time and resources effectively
• Underpin patient care with a preventive approach supporting long-term oral/general health
• Identify relevant dental, oral, craniofacial, and general anatomy and recognise population diversity
• Evaluate health risks of drug use on health and dental outcomes
• Identify signs of abuse or trauma and safeguard welfare
• Obtain valid consent within scope of practice
• Accurately record patient history, dental charts and oral health assessments
• Prepare and manage records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment
• Process and manage radiographs and images
• Effectively communicate with patients in English or other languages, with interpreters where needed
• Provide personalised preventive advice to patients and carers
• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment and equipment
• Identify and manage medical emergencies
• Deliver patient care with safety and ethical considerations
• Adhere to infection control and decontamination procedures
• Provide chairside support during treatment
• Support orthodontic assessment and other relevant procedures
• Be prepared to progress into roles such as team manager, dental therapist, hygienist or orthodontic therapist with appropriate training
• Qualification: Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Standard awarded City & Guilds
• Assessment: End Point Assessment (EPA) after completion of your Portfolio
• Functional Skills: English and/or maths (if needed)
• Delivery: Online study with weekly teaching sessions
• Off-the-Job Training: Provided and paid for by your employer
• Schedule: To be agreed upon; details coming soon