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. This role will provide efficient and reliable chairside support to clinicians while ensuring high standards of patient care, confidentiality, and GDPR compliance.
Responsibilities
* Welcoming patients and assisting with appointment scheduling
* Handling basic patient enquiries professionally and appropriately
* Preparing surgeries, sterilising instruments, and maintaining infection control to CQC standards
* Assisting clinicians during treatments and accurately updating patient records in line with GDPR
* Supporting patients\' comfort, reassurance, and overall dental experience
* Monitoring and managing stock, equipment, and surgery readiness
* Maintaining clean, safe, and fully equipped clinical areas
* Upholding patient privacy, dignity, and confidentiality at all times
* Collaborating with dentists and the wider team to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality care
* Identify relevant and appropriate dental, oral, craniofacial, and general anatomy, recognising the diversity of anatomy across the patient population
* Evaluate 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 signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma and explain local and national safeguarding systems
* Identify signs of normal and abnormal facial growth, 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 and explain all relevant factors within scope of practice
* Record an accurate and contemporaneous patient history
* Accurately record dental charting as carried out by other 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 risks within and around the clinical environment and manage these safely
* Implement, perform, and manage effective decontamination and infection control procedures according to current guidelines
* Prepare and maintain the clinical environment including instruments and equipment
* Identify, assess, and manage medical emergencies
* Provide patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice to promote self-care and improve oral health
* Support management of patients with acute oral conditions with appropriate team involvement
* Adopt an evidence-based approach to clinical practice
* Communicate effectively and sensitively with all patients and colleagues using spoken, written and electronic means
* Maintain contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice
* Demonstrate care, compassion, empathy and respect in all professional interactions
* Demonstrate effective teamwork and contribute to providing dental care for patients
* Where appropriate, manage, refer or delegate work according to scope of practice
* Take a patient-centred approach to working with the dental and wider healthcare team
* Raise concerns about health, behaviour or professional performance as needed
* Comply with systems and processes to support safe patient care
* Act in line with current best practice guidelines and health and safety requirements
* Act within legal frameworks governing personal behaviour and patient care
* Act with integrity and maintain trust with colleagues, patients and the public
* Demonstrate personal accountability to patients, the regulator, the team and wider community
* Work with colleagues to maintain a safe and supportive environment for patients and the dental team
* Lead, manage or delegate where appropriate within the team
* Support patients to access oral healthcare across diverse populations
* Treat patients, public and colleagues with dignity and respect
* Support patients in informed decision-making about their care
* Demonstrate cultural competence and respect for diversity
* Provide outcomes-focused care and advocate for patients as needed
* Speak up to protect others from harm
* Evaluate the effectiveness of prevention at community or population level
* Address discriminatory language, behaviour and microaggressions constructively
* Evaluate health promotion effects in changing environments and behaviours
* Evaluate environmental impacts of treatment methods
* Contribute positively to the healthcare communities of which you are a part
* Utilise feedback for professional development and maintain reflective practice
* Demonstrate professional development planning and ongoing learning
* Evaluate new techniques and technologies in dental nurse practice
* Assess and acknowledge personal capabilities and seek advice when needed
* Recognise and manage personal biases to ensure quality patient care
* Maintain professional knowledge and competence
* Promote wellbeing and engage in continuous improvement activities
* Manage time and resources effectively
* Underpin care with a preventive approach to long-term oral and general health
Training and Qualifications
* Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship
* Functional Skills (if applicable)
* Flexible online delivery model
* Quarterly start dates throughout the year
* Induction and regular progress support
* Maths (grade 4)
* English (grade 4)
* Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
* Administrative Skills
* Analytical Skills
* Attention to Detail
* Customer Care Skills
* Initiative
* IT Skills
* Logical
* Non judgmental
* Numerical Skills
* Organisational Skills
* Patience
* Physical Fitness
* Presentation Skills
* Problem Solving Skills
* Teamworking
* Communication Skills
Note
Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.
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