Are you looking for a career that truly makes a difference? This is a fantastic opportunity to earn while you learn and begin a rewarding career as a Dental Nurse within our Community Dental Service in Dorset. As an Apprentice Dental Nurse, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you work towards a Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing through Yeovil College, gaining hands‑on experience alongside a passionate and experienced dental team.
Our Community Dental Service provides high quality, compassionate dental care to children and adults with additional needs and complex medical conditions—patients who may be unable to access high street dentistry and who often require extra time, reassurance and understanding. This role offers a unique chance to develop specialist skills, build confidence, and make a genuine difference to people’s lives, while working in a friendly, supportive environment where learning and development are truly valued.
As part of a wider dental nurse apprentice peer group across Dorset and Somerset, you’ll benefit from strong support networks while making a genuine difference to patients and families who need extra care and reassurance.
Main duties of the job
As an Apprentice Dental Nurse, you will work closely with dentists and dental therapists, supporting the delivery of safe, high quality, patient‑centred dental care for individuals who need adaptable approaches and compassionate support. You’ll assist with day‑to‑day clinical duties, helping to ensure each patient feels comfortable, understood and cared for—often at times when dental treatment can feel daunting or overwhelming for them and their families.
Based at our clinic in Poole or Dorchester, you will play an essential role in maintaining excellent infection prevention and control standards, preparing clinical areas, supporting patients during treatment, and assisting the dental team in medical emergencies when required. Alongside your practical learning, you’ll complete your apprenticeship training with Yeovil College, supported by experienced dental professionals, dedicated college assessors and regular one‑to‑one reviews. As part of our caring and committed team, you’ll develop the skills, confidence and professionalism needed to qualify as a Dental Nurse and apply for General Dental Council registration, while making a meaningful contribution to our specialist service.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust (which also covers our dental service in Dorset), we’re committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
* Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
* NHS pension scheme for long‑term financial security
* A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you’ll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining and leisure activities, as well as NHS‑specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Job responsibilities
This apprenticeship includes completion of the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing through Yeovil College. You’ll receive structured learning, assessments and workplace training, and upon successful completion you will be eligible to apply for professional registration with the General Dental Council, opening the door to a rewarding and long‑term career in dental nursing.
To enrol, you must meet the relevant eligibility criteria. Non‑UK national applicants must also have a valid and eligible residency status to gain entry onto the apprenticeship; in most cases this means having been in the UK for at least three years and having the right to remain. It is vital that the duration of your visa outlasts that of the apprenticeship. These requirements are subject to the Apprenticeship funding rules 2025 to 2026.
Please note: this advertised vacancy does not meet the UKVI eligibility requirements for a Skilled Worker Visa, and therefore SFT would not be able to issue a Certificate of Sponsorship for this role.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Maths and English grade GCSE level C/4 or above
* OR
Experience
* Compassionate – exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, carers and relatives, remaining sensitive and empathetic
* Good interpersonal skills
* Professional and patient‑focused approach
Additional Criteria
* Able to demonstrate a good standard of the English language, with excellent communication skills
* Compassionate – open‑minded, treats colleagues, patients, carers and relatives with dignity and respect
* High standards of written communication skills with the ability to use email and internet
* Ability to record and retrieve information on paper/electronic records as appropriate
* Able to take instruction and direction and work effectively as part of a team
* Must have access to appropriate transport in order to travel throughout the Trust, to meet the needs of the service and course requirements
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and therefore a submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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