Overview
We have an exciting opportunity for an apprentice dental nurse to join our friendly dental practice. We would love you to join us as an apprentice dental nurse and start your exciting career in dental nursing. The successful candidate will be assisting other dental health professionals, providing chairside support and a high level of patient care.
Responsibilities
* 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 with patients, public and colleagues in relation to care and health promotion, including where language differences or challenging behaviour exist.
* Maintain contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice.
* Give feedback effectively to other members of the team and respect the roles of dental and other healthcare professionals.
* Demonstrate effective team working and contribute to the team in providing dental care for patients.
* Where appropriate, lead, manage and take professional responsibility for the actions of colleagues and other team members involved in patient care.
* Where appropriate, support patients to negotiate barriers to accessing oral healthcare, including marginalised populations and those with protected characteristics.
* Treat patients, the public and colleagues with dignity and respect and without discrimination.
* Support patients to make informed decisions about their care, prioritising the patients' interests.
* Demonstrate cultural competence and respect for diversity.
* Provide the best possible outcome for patients by using knowledge and skills, acting as an advocate when appropriate.
* Speak up to protect others from harm.
* Evaluate prevention and health promotion at community or population level; apply evidence to practice; and contribute to healthcare communities.
Qualifications and Skills
* Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know. IT skills.
* Attention to detail
* Organisation skills
* Customer care skills
* Problem solving skills
* Presentation skills
* Administrative skills
* Logical thinking
* Team working
* Non-judgemental attitude
* Patience
Details
* Salary: £11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age. National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices. Training course: Dental nurse (GDC 2023) (level 3).
* Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm; shifts may include evenings and weekends. Exact shifts to be confirmed. 30 hours per week. Start date: Friday 24 October 2025. Duration: 1 year. Positions available: 1. On-the-job learning with hands-on experience.
* What you’ll do at work: Prepare and maintain the clinical environment, equipment and materials for procedures; keep accurate patient records; work to current best practices; Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship includes employment with assessment and skills development; qualification to apply for GDC registration; must be aged 19 or above due to insurance restrictions.
* What you will study: Cross-infection, Anatomy, Radiography, Oral hygiene, Orthodontics, Restoration, Legislation, First aid, Health and safety.
* Additional statements: A great opportunity to be trained and potentially secure long-term employment; good route into dental hygiene, dental therapy or cosmetic dentistry with further training; potential career progression to team leader or practice manager.
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