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 practice will entail assisting dentists, sterilising & preparing equipment, reception duties and supporting patient experience.
Responsibilities
* Reception, including answering the phone and greeting patients
* Dealing with patient queries
* Taking payments
* Booking appointments and follow-ups
* Sterilising and preparing equipment for dentists
* Recording and dealing with patient records
* Supporting patients' wellbeing and dental experience
* Cleaning dental areas, including chairs
* Managing stock of equipment and supplies
* Any other duties to support the dentists and senior team to provide effective patient 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, with all patients, including those whose first language is not English
* Communicate effectively and sensitively with the public and with colleagues from dental and other healthcare professions
* Maintain contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice
* Communicate with care, compassion, empathy and respect in all professional interactions
* 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
* 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 delivery of healthcare
* Act with integrity and maintain the trust of colleagues, patients, and the public
* Demonstrate personal accountability to patients, the regulator, the team and wider community
* Work in partnership with colleagues to develop and maintain an effective environment which promotes patient and team safety and wellbeing
* Where appropriate lead, manage and take professional responsibility for the actions of colleagues involved in patient care
* Support patients to negotiate barriers to accessing oral healthcare, including those from marginalised populations
* Treat patients, the public, and colleagues with dignity and respect without discrimination
* Support patients to make informed decisions about their care and promote diversity and inclusion
* Demonstrate cultural competence and respect for diversity
* Provide the best possible outcome for patients using knowledge and skills and acting as a patient advocate where appropriate
* Speak up to protect others from harm
* Evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based prevention at community or population level
* Address discriminatory language, behaviour and microaggressions
* Evaluate health promotion in changing environments and behaviours to deliver health gain
* Evaluate and apply evidence on environmental impacts of dental care methods
* Contribute positively to healthcare communities
* Utilise effective feedback for professional development and maintain reflective practice
* Develop and maintain professional knowledge and competence
* Demonstrate engagement with systems and wellbeing strategies, and pursue continuous improvement
* Manage time and resources effectively
* Underpin patient care with a preventive approach to support long-term oral and general health
Career progression
* With experience you may move into roles such as team manager, team leader or dental practice manager
* With further training you could become a dental therapist or dental hygienist
* You could train as an orthodontic therapist
Qualifications & additional notes
* This qualification is a level 3 advanced apprenticeship accredited by City & Guilds and is delivered nationwide through blended interactive e-learning
* Upon achievement, the apprentice will be awarded a Diploma in Dental Nursing Level
* Functional Skills English and maths level 2 qualifications unless exempt
* GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4) or equivalent
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non-judgemental
* Patience
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