Job overview
We are seeking a knowledgeable and motivated Dental Nurse Assessor to support and assess learner dental nurses throughout their training journey.
The role involves mentoring apprentices, assessing practical competence and underpinning knowledge, maintaining accurate learner records, and ensuring training meets awarding body and regulatory standards. The postholder will also work clinically as part of the dental team, maintaining professional practice and supporting the delivery of high‑quality patient care.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced dental professional who is passionate about education, quality, clinical excellence, and developing the next generation of dental nurses.
Main duties of the job
* Assess and support apprentice dental nurses in the workplace through planned reviews.
* Monitor learner progress against qualification standards, apprenticeship requirements, and awarding body criteria.
* Provide coaching, guidance, and constructive feedback to help learners develop their clinical knowledge, practical skills, and professional behaviours.
* Carry out observations, reviews, and assessments, ensuring all evidence is valid, accurate, and completed within required timescales.
* Work clinically as part of the dental team, maintaining professional competence and supporting the delivery of safe, effective, high‑quality patient care.
* Ensure all delivery and assessment activities comply with safeguarding, equality, health and safety, GDPR, and regulatory requirements.
* Keep up to date with developments in dental nursing practice, education, and apprenticeship standards.
Working for our organisation
Oxford Health provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset.
Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive “Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team”.
Our values are “Caring, safe and excellent”.
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing.
* Excellent opportunities for career progression
* Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
* 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
* NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
* Competitive pension scheme
* Lease car scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Mental Health First Aiders
* Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists apply)
* Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
* Plan and deliver a caseload of workplace‑based assessments for Apprentice Dental Nurses undertaking the NEBDN National Diploma, in line with programme requirements and agreed assessment plans.
* Carry out direct observations in the clinical setting and assess knowledge, skills and behaviours against agreed criteria.
* Conduct weekly supervision sessions, deliver constructive feedback, and establish agreed action plans to facilitate learner development and ensure safe clinical practice.
* Review learner portfolios/evidence, set targets, and monitor progress to support achievement of the NEBDN National Diploma within required timescales.
* Maintain accurate, auditable records of learner contact, assessment activity, feedback and outcomes, including portfolio/evidence documentation, in line with Trust and NEBDN programme requirements.
* Liaise with internal clinical teams and the NEBDN training providers/Centre to ensure learners received appropriate support and that NEBDN programme requirements are met.
* Deliver or facilitate tutorials, workshops and skills updates for learners and/or the dental nursing team, as agreed with the Dental Nurse Team Manager.
* Support learners to develop clinical competence while promoting patient‑centred care, infection prevention and control and safeguarding practice.
Person specification
Knowledge
Essential criteria
* Familiarity with NEBDN National Diploma requirements and portfolio/evidence expectations.
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* Dental Nurse National Certificate/NVQ Level Oral Health Care.
* GCSE’s, or equivalent, in Literacy and Numeracy.
* Recognised assessor qualification suitable for assessing the NEBDN National Diploma.
* Registration with the General Dental Council.
* Full and valid UK driving licence and access to own vehicle.
Further Training or Job-Related Aptitude and Skills
Essential criteria
* Literate, numerate and able to communicate at all levels.
* Basic computer skills; familiar with dental software package.
* Able to supervise trainees and unqualified staff.
Experience
Essential criteria
* Experience of working in the general community or hospital dental service.
* Experience in working within general and aesthetic/sedation/special needs environment.
* Experience of supporting learners/trainees in practice, including giving feedback and contributing to development plans.
Desirable criteria
* Previous supervisory/line management experience.
Recruiter Contact Details
Name: Kerry McGann
Title: Dental Nurse Team Manager
Email: kerry.mcgann@oxfordhealth.nhs.uk
Telephone: 01865 904 075
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