The apprenticeship in dental nursing is an 18‑month government‑funded course, City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing. The role involves assisting the dentist, sterilising equipment, taking care of reception duties, and performing any other ad‑hoc responsibilities as required.
Responsibilities
* Reception duties: answering the phone, greeting patients, booking appointments and follow‑ups, taking payments.
* Providing chairside support to the operator during treatment.
* Sterilising and preparing equipment for dentists, implementing infection control procedures according to current guidelines.
* Managing the clinical environment, including instrument and equipment maintenance.
* Preparing, mixing, and handling dental materials.
* Recording patient history, oral health assessments, dental charting, and maintaining complete and accurate records in compliance with legal requirements.
* Processing and managing dental radiographs and images.
* Managing patient anxiety and providing effective communication and behavioural techniques for reassurance and support.
* Identifying and responding to changes in oral health status, arranging appropriate follow‑up care, and recognising and managing medical emergencies.
* Providing comprehensive, personalised preventive advice and instruction to patients/carers, promoting self‑care and oral health improvement.
* Adopting an evidence‑based approach to clinical practice, including evaluation and application of new techniques, technologies, and evidence‑based prevention.
* Ensuring all work is done within the legal frameworks, national and local clinical governance, and health and safety requirements.
* Working effectively within a multidisciplinary team, demonstrating teamwork, communication, and respect for all professionals.
* Maintaining personal accountability, integrity, and professional development, seeking advice when necessary.
Career Pathways
* With experience, move into team manager, team leader, or dental practice manager.
* With further training, become a dental therapist or dental hygienist.
* Consider training as an orthodontic therapist to help improve patients’ teeth alignment.
Required Skills
* Communication skills; fluent in English and capable of working with non‑English speaking patients.
* Attention to detail, organisational, and customer care skills.
* Administrative, teamwork, initiative, non‑judgemental, and patience.
Apprenticeship Information
* 18‑month government‑funded City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing.
* Delivered nationwide through blended interactive e‑learning.
* Upon completion, awarded Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3.
* Functional Skills English & Maths Level 2 required unless exempt, GCSE in Maths and English grade 4 or higher.
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