The apprenticeship in Dental Nursing is an 18-month government-funded course – City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing. The job entails assisting the dentist, sterilising equipment, reception and any other ad‑hoc duties as may be required. Provide efficient and reliable chair‑side support to practice clinicians.
Responsibilities
* Reception duties, including greeting patients and managing front‑desk tasks.
* Handling patient queries, telephone, payments and appointment booking.
* Identifying relevant dental, oral, craniofacial and general anatomy, recognising the diversity across the patient population.
* Evaluating health risks of prescribed, non‑prescribed and recreational drug use on oral and general health.
* Evaluating scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and biomaterials.
* Identifying signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma and explaining local and national safeguarding systems.
* Assessing normal and abnormal facial growth, developmental milestones and their significance.
* Assessing patient anxiety, experience and expectations relating to dental care.
* Contributing to special investigations and diagnostic procedures.
* Undertaking orthodontic assessment.
* Obtaining valid consent from patients in accordance with legal requirements.
* Recording accurate patient history and dental charting.
* Preparing records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment.
* Processing and managing dental radiographs and images.
* Managing patient anxiety and providing reassurance through effective communication.
* Monitoring changes in oral health status and taking appropriate action.
* Arranging follow‑up care as prescribed by the operator.
* Providing chair‑side support to the operator during treatment.
* Preparing, mixing and handling dental materials.
* Identifying and explaining risks within the clinical environment and managing them safely.
* Implementing effective decontamination and infection control procedures.
* Maintaining the clinical environment, instruments and equipment.
* Identifying, assessing and managing medical emergencies.
* Providing patients and carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice and instructions.
* Supporting the management of patients with acute oral conditions.
* Adopting an evidence‑based approach to clinical practice.
* Communicating effectively and sensitively with patients, the public and colleagues across spoken, written and electronic channels, including the use of interpreters where necessary.
* Managing confidential patient records in accordance with legal and best‑practice requirements.
* Disseminating feedback to team members and demonstrating effective team working.
* Respecting the roles of dental and other healthcare professionals and acting with integrity and accountability.
* Working in partnership with colleagues and taking professional responsibility for patient care.
* Elevating patient‑centred care and supporting patients to negotiate barriers to access oral healthcare.
* Treating all patients, members of the public and colleagues with dignity, respect and without discrimination.
* Providing culturally competent care and advocating for patient needs.
Qualifications
* Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Standard awarded by City & Guilds.
* Assessment: End Point Assessment (EPA) upon completion.
* Functional Skills in English and Maths if required.
* Training location: Local dental practice and online webinars.
* Qualification approval by the General Dental Council.
* Delivery: Online study with weekly teaching sessions; off‑the‑job training paid and provided by the employer.
* Schedule: To be agreed; details to be announced.
Key Skills
* Communication skills
* Attention to detail
* Organisational skills
* Customer care
* Problem solving
* Team working
* Non‑judgemental attitude
* Patience
Training & Assessment
* On‑the‑job training at a dental practice with weekly teaching sessions.
* Online study and webinars.
* End Point Assessment (EPA) to evaluate competency.
Career Path
* Progression to team manager or team leader roles.
* Further training to become a dental therapist or dental hygienist.
* Potential advancement to dental practice manager.
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