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
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