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 practise will entail assisting dentists, sterilising & preparing equipment, reception duties and supporting patient experience. This role will provide efficient and reliable chairside support to clinicians while 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
* 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, tailoring to context, by spoken, written and or electronic means with all patients, including patients whose first language is not English, using representatives or 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 patient care, oral health promotion and raising concerns when problems arise
* 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 with patients, their representatives, the public and colleagues
* Demonstrate effective teamwork and contribute to your 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, in line with competence and professional practice
* Take a patient-centred approach to working with the dental and wider healthcare team
* Raise concerns where appropriate about your own or others' health, behaviour or professional performance
* Comply with systems and processes to support safe patient care
* Act in accordance with current best practice guidelines and health and safety requirements
* Act within the legal frameworks which inform personal behaviour and the protection of patient health
* Demonstrate personal accountability to patients, the regulator, the team and wider community
* Work in partnership with colleagues to promote patient safety and wellbeing
* Where appropriate lead, manage and take professional responsibility for the actions of colleagues involved in patient care
* Where appropriate support patients to negotiate barriers to accessing oral healthcare, including marginalised populations
* Treat patients, public and colleagues with dignity and respect, without discrimination
* Support patients to make informed decisions about their care
* Demonstrate cultural competence and respect for diversity
* Provide the best possible outcome for patients by using knowledge and skills and advocating for their needs
* Speak up to protect others from harm
* Evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based prevention at a community or population level
* Address discriminatory language, behaviour and microaggressions
* Evaluate health promotion in terms of environment and behaviours
* Apply evidence base to environmental impacts of dental treatments
* Contribute positively to the healthcare communities of which you are a part
* Utilise feedback for professional development and maintain reflective practice
* Demonstrate personal development planning and ongoing competence
* Evaluate new techniques and technologies in dental nurse practice
* Assess personal capabilities and seek advice to maintain high-quality care
* Recognise and manage personal biases and their impact on care
* Demonstrate professional responsibility and strive for wellbeing and continuous improvement
* Underpin patient care with a preventive approach for long-term oral and general health
Training & Start Details
* Training schedule Provided by Tempdent: Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship
* Functional Skills (if applicable)
* Flexible online delivery model
* Quarterly start dates throughout the year
* Induction and regular progress support
* Maths (grade 4) and English (grade 4) requirements
Salary and Hours
£15,704 to £25,396.80, depending on age. Hours: Monday - Friday, 8.45am - 5.45pm with one hour lunch; some Saturdays may be required with a day off in the week if worked. 40 hours per week. Start date: Monday 9 March 2026. Duration: 1 year 6 months.
Career Progression
* After this apprenticeship, a career in dental nursing can grow in many rewarding directions. With experience, you could progress into roles such as Senior Dental Nurse, Lead Nurse, Treatment Coordinator, or Practice Manager
* With further training, you could develop into a Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist, delivering preventative, restorative, and routine treatments to patients
* You could also specialise as an Orthodontic Therapist, working with dental professionals to improve the alignment and appearance of patients' teeth
* The dental sector offers clear progression routes, recognised qualifications, and ongoing professional development to support your long-term career goals
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