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Skills 4 Pharmacy; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full training

On-the-job learning

Supportive team

Career progression

Private practice experience

Job summary

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust in Canterbury is offering a Dental Nurse Apprenticeship. You’ll work closely with qualified dental professionals, gaining hands-on experience across all areas of dental nursing in a supportive, professional environment.

From day one you’ll be encouraged to learn, build confidence, and work toward becoming a fully qualified Dental Nurse. Training to be provided: Dental Nurse (Integrated) Level 3, with on-the-job learning and clear career progression.

Qualifications

• Potential apprentices must have GCSEs at A-C or 4-9
• Maths and English GCSE or equivalent
• Genuine interest in patient care and personal development
• Willingness to learn and develop skills

Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and clinicians during a range of dental treatments and procedures
• Ensure patients feel comfortable, informed, and reassured throughout their visit
• Prepare treatment rooms and ensure all equipment and materials are ready for use
• Clean, sterilise, and maintain instruments in line with infection control standards
• Follow health, safety, and confidentiality policies at all times
• Support patients with pre and post treatment guidance
• Accurately update patient records using computer-based systems
• Help manage appointment flow and support the smooth running of the practice
• Assist with basic administrative duties as required

Skills

Interest in dental nurse profession

Discretion with patient information

Clear communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Organisation & time management

Multi-tasking

Calm demeanour

Composure under pressure

Education

GCSE Maths & English (A-C/4-9)

Job description

You’ll work closely with qualified dental professionals, gaining hands‑on experience across all areas of dental nursing. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to build confidence, develop new skills, and work towards becoming a fully qualified Dental Nurse in a professional and welcoming private practice environment. This is a patient-facing role where enthusiasm, reliability, and a positive attitude are just as important as technical skills. If you enjoy helping others and want a career where no two days are the same, this could be the perfect starting point.

Once you successfully complete your Dental Nurse Apprenticeship and become a qualified Dental Nurse, there are many exciting career pathways available within dentistry.

Depending on your interests, you could progress into areas such as:

• Dental Radiography with further training
• Practice-based roles such as lead nurse or treatment coordinator
• Further education in dental hygiene, dental therapy, or other healthcare roles

Please note that this vacancy may close earlier than the stated deadline if a suitable candidate is found.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist dentists and clinicians during a range of dental treatments and procedures
• Ensure patients feel comfortable, informed, and reassured throughout their visit
• Prepare treatment rooms and ensure all equipment and materials are ready for use
• Clean, sterilise, and maintain instruments in line with infection control standards
• Follow health, safety, and confidentiality policies at all times
• Support patients with pre and post treatment guidance
• Accurately update patient records using computer-based systems
• Help manage appointment flow and support the smooth running of the practice
• Assist with basic administrative duties as required

What We’re Looking For

• Has a positive, can do approach and is eager to learn
• Is genuinely interested in patient care and personal development
• Is reliable, punctual, and takes pride in being professional
• Enjoys working as part of a team and supporting others
• Communicates clearly and confidently with both patients and colleagues
• Can stay organised and manage multiple tasks in a busy environment
• Has basic IT skills and is comfortable learning new systems

What We Offer

• Full training and support towards a recognised Dental Nurse qualification
• On-the-job learning alongside experienced dental professionals
• A friendly, supportive, and professional team environment
• A great opportunity to build long‑term career progression within dentistry
• Valuable experience in a high-quality private practice setting

Working Week

25 hours a week across Monday-Friday.

Qualifications Required

Potential apprentices must have GCSEs at A-C or 4-9 or equivalent, in Maths and English.

Personal Qualities

Calm, Compassionate, Confident, Caring, Thirst for Knowledge

Skills Required

• A keen interest in the dental nurse profession
• Tact and discretion for handling confidential patient information responsibly.
• Clear and effective communication skills, essential for patient care and teamwork.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients.
• Collaborative teamwork abilities to work seamlessly with colleagues.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills to handle priorities effectively.
• Ability to multi-task, managing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Calm demeanour in fast‑paced environments, maintaining focus and professionalism.
• Ability to remain composed under pressure, managing high‑stress situations effectively.

Training to be Provided

Dental Nurse (Integrated) Level 3

Future Prospects

• Lead Dental Nurse: Take on more responsibilities by managing other dental nurses and overseeing practice operations.
• Practice Manager: Move into a management role, handling the day‑to‑day running of the dental practice.
• Orthodontic Nursing: Assist in orthodontic treatments, gaining expertise in appliances and aligners.

Moving Into Clinical Roles

• Dental Hygienist or Therapist: With further qualifications, progress into roles focused on providing oral hygiene treatments or minor dental procedures.
• Extended Duties Dental Nurse: Gain additional skills such as fluoride application, impression taking, or assisting in sedation procedures.

Transition to Education or Research

• Trainer or Assessor: Use your experience to teach and assess trainee dental nurses.
• Dental Researcher: Contribute to advancements in dentistry by working in research roles.

Related Healthcare Careers

• Specialist Healthcare Settings: Work in maxillofacial units, hospitals, or with oral surgeons.
• Broader Healthcare Roles: Transition into other areas of healthcare, leveraging transferable skills.

Extended Skills

• Dental Radiography: Train to take radiographs, an essential skill in modern dental practices.
• Oral Health Promotion: Work with patients and communities to educate on oral hygiene and preventative care.

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust