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. The day to day duties of a dental nurse can span across all areas of the practice and can include:
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 all patients, including those whose first language is not English, using interpreters where necessary, in relation to patients with anxious or challenging behaviour or special considerations
* Communicate effectively by spoken, written and electronic means with the public and with colleagues from dental and other healthcare professions in relation to the direct care of individual patients
* 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 the team in providing dental care for patients
* Where appropriate manage, refer or delegate work according to the scope of practice of members of the dental team
* Take a patient-centred approach to working with the dental and wider healthcare team
* Raise concerns where appropriate about health, behaviour or professional performance
* Comply with systems and processes to support safe patient care and act in accordance with current best practice guidelines
* Act in accordance with clinical governance, health and safety requirements, and legal frameworks
* Act with integrity and demonstrate personal accountability to patients, the regulator, the team and wider community
* Work in partnership with colleagues to promote safety and wellbeing of the patient and dental team
* Where appropriate lead, manage and take professional responsibility within the team
* Support patients to access oral healthcare across diverse populations and respect protected characteristics
* Treat patients, colleagues and the public with dignity and respect
* Demonstrate cultural competence and advocate for patients’ needs
* Speak up to protect others from harm
* Evaluate prevention and health promotion at community or population levels
* Address discriminatory language, behaviour and microaggressions
* Evaluate and apply evidence related to environmental impacts of dental care
* Contribute positively to healthcare communities
* Utilise feedback for professional development and engage in reflective practice
* Demonstrate personal development planning and continuous improvement
* Recognise and manage personal limitations and seek guidance as needed
* Recognise contextual factors affecting patient safety and act professionally
* Develop and maintain professional knowledge and competence
* Promote physical and mental wellbeing and manage time and resources effectively
* Underpin patient care with a preventive approach to support long-term oral and general health
Career progression
* With experience you may move into roles such as team manager, team leader or dental practice manager
* With further training you could become a dental therapist or dental hygienist
* You could train as an orthodontic therapist
Additional details
* This qualification is a Level 3 advanced apprenticeship accredited by City & Guilds and is delivered nationwide through blended interactive E-Learning
* Upon achievement the apprentice will be awarded a Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3
* Functional Skills English & maths Level 2 qualifications unless exempt
* GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4) or equivalent
* Other skills: Communication, IT, attention to detail, organisation, customer care, administrative skills, team working, non-judgemental attitude, patience
* Hours: Monday - Friday, 8.30am - 5.30pm, 40 hours a week
* Start date: Wednesday 29 October 2025
* Duration: 1 year 6 months
* Salary: £15,704 for your first year, then could increase depending on age
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