We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, and hardworking apprentice dental nurse to join our team. Assisting other dental health professionals, providing chair-side support and a high level of patient care, this is an excellent opportunity for a smart, ambitious and self‑motivated individual to join a friendly environment. As an apprentice, you'll work at a company and get hands‑on experience, gaining new skills and working alongside experienced staff.
Responsibilities
* Greet patients
* Chairside assisting
* Stocking surgery
* Preparing for the surgery prior to treatments
* Charting and managing patient data
* Mixing materials
* Keeping the surgery tidy and clean
* Managing infection prevention and control
* Booking patients' appointments
* Sterilisation and decontamination
* Processing of radiographs
* Answering the phone and identifying relevant and appropriate anatomy across the patient population
* Evaluating the health risks of prescribed, non‑prescribed and recreational drug use and misuse on oral and general health
* Evaluating the scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and biomaterials, their limitations and selection, with emphasis on those used in dentistry
* Identifying the signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma, and explaining local and national systems that safeguard the welfare of children and adults
* Identifying the signs of normal and abnormal facial growth, physical, mental and dental development milestones and explaining their significance
* Assessing patients' levels of anxiety, experience and expectations in respect of dental care and oral health
* Contributing to relevant special investigations and diagnostic procedures
* Undertaking orthodontic assessment
* Obtaining valid consent from patients, explaining all relevant factors and taking into account legal requirements where appropriate within scope of practice
* Recording an accurate and contemporaneous patient history
* Accurately recording dental charting as carried out by other appropriate registrants
* Accurately recording an oral health assessment
* Preparing records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment
* Processing and managing dental radiographs and images
* Managing patient anxiety appropriately, effectively and safely
* Monitoring, supporting and reassuring patients through effective communication and behavioural techniques
* Identifying changes in the patient's reported oral health status and taking appropriate action
* Making arrangements for follow‑up care as prescribed by the operator
* Providing chairside support to the operator during treatment
* Preparing, mixing and handling dental materials
* Identifying and explaining the risks within and around the clinical environment and managing these in a safe and effective manner
* Implementing, performing and managing effective decontamination and infection control procedures according to current guidelines
* Preparing and maintaining the clinical environment including instruments and equipment
* Identifying, assessing and managing medical emergencies
* Providing patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice, instruction and intervention that is accessible and promotes self‑care
* Supporting the management of patients with acute oral conditions ensuring involvement of appropriate dental team members
* Adopting an evidence‑based approach to clinical practice
* Communicating effectively and sensitively with patients, the public and colleagues by spoken, written and electronic means, tailoring to context and considering language needs
* Maintaining contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice
* Communicating with care, compassion, empathy and respect in all professional interactions
* Giving feedback effectively to other members of the team
* Respecting the roles of dental and other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary setting
* Demonstrating effective team working and contributing to the team’s success
* Managing, referring or delegating work according to scope of practice in line with competence and professional practice
* Taking a patient‑centred approach to working with the wider healthcare team
* Raising concerns where appropriate about health, behaviour or professional performance
* Complying with systems and processes to support safe patient care
* Acting in accordance with best practice guidelines, national and local governance, health and safety, and legal frameworks
* Acting with integrity and maintaining trust with colleagues, patients and the public across all environments and media
* Demonstrating personal accountability to patients, the regulator, the team and the wider community
* Working in partnership with colleagues to create a supportive environment that promotes safety and wellbeing
* Leading, managing and taking professional responsibility for the actions of colleagues where appropriate
* Supporting patients to negotiate barriers that prevent access to oral healthcare, including marginalised populations and those with protected characteristics
* Treating patients, the public and colleagues with dignity, respect and without discrimination
* Supporting patients to make informed decisions about their care, prioritising their interests
* Demonstrating cultural competence and respecting diversity of patients and colleagues
* Providing the best possible outcome for patients by using knowledge and skills, acting as an advocate where appropriate
* Speaking up to protect others from harm
* Evaluating the effectiveness of evidence‑based prevention at a community and population level
* Proactively addressing discriminatory language, behaviour and microaggressions from colleagues, patients and other professionals
* Evaluating the role of health promotion in changing contexts to deliver health gain
* Evaluating and applying the evidence base in relation to environmental impacts of common treatment methods
* Contributing positively to the healthcare communities of which you are a part
* Utilising feedback in professional development, planning learning and reflective practice
* Evaluating the impact of new techniques and technologies as they relate to dental nurse practice
* Accurately assessing own capabilities and limitations and seeking advice where appropriate
* Recognising personal assumptions, biases and prejudices and managing their impact on patient care
* Recognising the impact of contextual factors on patient safety and managing this professionally
* Demonstrating own professional responsibility and developing self
* Developing and maintaining professional knowledge and competence
* Engaging with systems and strategies that promote physical and mental wellbeing
* Demonstrating continuous improvement activities and managing wellbeing of self and team
* Effectively managing time and resources
* Underpinning all patient care with a preventive approach that accommodates patient compliance and self‑care, contributing to long‑term oral and general health
Qualifications & Prerequisites
* End Point Assessment (EPA)
* Functional Skills in English and Maths (if required)
* GCSE in English (grade E) and Math (grade E) – training location to be confirmed
* Share any other relevant qualifications and industry experience; the apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know
* Desired qualifications: GCSE or equivalent maths and English (Grade 4) is desirable
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem‑solving skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non‑judgemental attitude
* Patience
* We provide NHS services and also offer affordable private cosmetic treatments using the latest techniques and materials. Most patients attend due to word of mouth and recommendations.
Training & Compensation
Hours: Monday – Friday, 38 hours a week.
Start date: Tuesday 6 January 2026. Duration: 1 year 6 months.
Salary: £14,918.80 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age.
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices – see current rates.
Career Opportunities
* Move into a team leader, manager or dental practice manager position
* Serve in the armed forces as a dental nurse
* Become a dental hygienist or dental therapist with further training
* Become an orthodontic therapist helping dentists improve the look and position of patients’ teeth
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