Overview
The apprenticeship in dental nursing is an 18‑month government‑funded course by City & Guilds, a Level 3 Extended Diploma. While you learn, your role within the practice will involve assisting dentists, sterilising and preparing equipment, reception duties, and supporting the patient experience. This role will provide efficient and reliable chairside support to clinicians, 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
* Applying knowledge of dental, oral, craniofacial and general anatomy and recognising diversity of anatomy across the patient population
* Evaluating health risks of drug use and misuse on oral and general health
* Interpreting scientific principles of dental materials and selecting appropriate biomaterials
* Identifying signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma and explaining safeguarding systems
* Recognising normal and abnormal facial growth, developmental milestones and their significance
* Assessing patient anxiety, experience and expectations regarding dental care
* Contributing to special investigations, diagnostic procedures and orthodontic assessments
* Obtaining valid consent, recording accurate patient history, dental charting and oral health assessment
* Preparing records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment
* Managing radiographs and images
* Managing patient anxiety and communicating effectively and sensitively (including with non‑English speakers)
* Managing medical emergencies and providing preventive advice
* Maintaining patient records according to legal and best‑practice standards
* Demonstrating teamwork, professional communication and giving feedback
* Adhering to infection control, health and safety, national and local governance, and current best‑practice guidelines
* Maintaining personal accountability, integrity and professional responsibility
* Supporting patients with barriers to accessing oral healthcare, including protected populations
* Acting with cultural competence and respect for all patients and colleagues
Training Schedule (Provided by Tempdent)
* Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship
* Functional Skills (where applicable)
* Flexible online delivery model
* Quarterly start dates throughout the year
* Induction and regular progress support
Skills and Qualifications
* Maths (grade 4)
* English (grade 4)
* Administrative skills
* Analytical skills
* Attention to detail
* Customer care skills
* Initiative
* IT skills
* Logical thinking
* Non‑judgemental attitude
* Number skills
* Organisational skills
* Patience
* Physical fitness
* Presentation skills
* Problem‑solving skills
* Teamworking
* Communication skills
Additional Information
* Salary: £15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on your age
* Working hours: Flexible patterns covering 5 out of 7 days, operating within practice opening hours (Mon‑Fri 8am‑6pm, Sat 9am‑5pm, Sun 10am‑4:30pm) – includes some evening and weekend work.
* Hours: 40 hours a week
* Start date: Friday 27 February 2026
* Duration: 1 year 6 months
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