Main area Dental Grade Apprenticeship Contract Apprenticeship: 18 months (Based at Birmingham Dental Hospital). Hours: Full time, Term time hours. 37.5 hours per week (Monday - Saturday 8am - 8pm). Job ref 820-7932530-DEN.
Employer: Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust. Employer type: NHS Site, Birmingham Dental Hospital Town Birmingham. Salary: £15,642.84 per annum pro Rata Salary period Yearly. Closing 17/05/2026 23:59. Interview date 01/06/2026.
Job overview
We are looking for suitable candidates to train as Dental Nurse apprentices at the Birmingham Dental Hospital in Edgbaston – one of the country’s leading centres of dental training and research.
You will need excellent communication skills, a professional and efficient manner, and the self-motivation to learn while you earn on a salaried course, commencing in September 2026.
During the apprenticeship period, you will work towards achieving a City & Guilds Level 3 Dental Nursing Practitioner (Diploma).
Apprentices will experience all disciplines of dentistry and receive onsite support through formal lectures, one-to-one tutorials and specialised placement opportunities across the West Midlands.
Applicants must have
* Maths GCSE Level 4/Grade C or equivalent
* English GCSE Level 4/Grade C or equivalent
* 1 other GCSE Level 4/Grade C or equivalent (preferably in a science-based subject)
Applicants must demonstrate an understanding of the role of a dental nurse and a keen interest in working in healthcare.
Main duties of the job
As a Dental Nurse Apprentice, you will provide a key role in supporting our dentists to provide high quality care to our patients. Providing calm reassurance to anxious patients by demonstrating your people skills and a real attention to detail.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. Complete Level 3 Dental Nursing Practitioner (Diploma) course work/units by specified deadlines.
2. Adhere to the principles within the General Dental Council’s Student Fitness to Practise guidance.
3. Maintain a high standard of patient care and professionalism.
4. Assist clinicians and staff in all aspects of dentistry with support - subject to ability and knowledge.
5. Receive training on all clinical departments.
6. Communicate with Senior Dental Nurses/Dental Nurse Managers whilst on secondment to departments/clinics.
7. Adhere to Statutory Employment Procedures and relevant BCHC Policies & Procedures, including safety procedures and Infection Prevention Control.
8. Prepare dental equipment and clean specialist units to meet Infection Prevention Control policies and procedures.
9. Attend lectures, examinations and training commitments as required to meet the learning outcomes of the programme.
10. Complete clinical rotation including work experience.
11. Undertake other duties commensurate with this grade of post, in agreement with the relevant line manager.
12. Minimise the Trust’s environmental impact wherever possible, including recycling and efficient use of resources.
Person specification
Qualifications
* 3 GCSEs Level 4 or above grades or 3 GCSE grade C or above (English and Maths essential; Science desirable) or equivalent qualifications.
* GCSE Level 4 or above in a Science related subject.
* Healthcare or customer service sector training/qualification.
Skills / Knowledge
* Eager and committed to learning.
* Knowledge of BCHC Dental Services.
Experience
* Evidence of team working.
* Knowledge of the Dental Nurse role.
* Previous experience in the healthcare or customer service sector.
Personal Qualities
* Evidence of knowledge about the course/career opportunities.
Disability Confident Employer and Guaranteed Interview Scheme
BCHC offers a guaranteed interview to any candidate who is Disabled, Neurodiverse, or has a hidden or long-term health condition as recognised under the Equality Act 2010, providing they meet the essential criteria of the job role.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We actively foster and support a workplace culture that is inclusive and equitable for all staff, patients and service users, and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
DBS Costs
New employees will be charged for the cost of their DBS check if required for the role. The cost will be deducted from your salary in three payments over a three-month period once employment starts. The standard check cost is £26.40, enhanced check £54.40. The charges will be deducted from your pay following completion of online mandatory training.
Flexible Working
BCHC supports a variety of flexible working practices and will consider requests where possible.
Benefits of working for us
* Full NHS terms and conditions including extensive holidays, Agenda for Change pay with enhancements.
* Attractive relocation payment if you relocate to the local area.
* Discounts for local and national retailers.
* Dedicated well‑being services for all employees.
* Flexible working where possible.
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