Apprentice Dental Nurse

Summary

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.

Wage

£11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

Check minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)

Training course

Dental nurse (integrated) (level 3)

Hours

Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday and Fridays, 8.30am - 5.30pm

30 hours a week

Start date

Friday 4 July 2025

Duration

1 year 6 months

Positions available

1

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands-on experience.

What you'll do at work

Provide efficient and reliable chair-side support to Practice Clinicians.

The day-to-day duties of a dental nurse can span across all areas of the practise and can include:

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

Where you'll work

43 NORFOLK ROAD
LITTLEHAMPTON
BN17 5PW

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

College or training organisation

TEMP DENT DENTAL AGENCY LIMITED

Your training course

Dental nurse (integrated) (level 3)

Understanding apprenticeship levels (opens in new tab)

What you'll learn

Course contents

Adhere to legal and ethical responsibilities in line with General Dental Council requirements
Take responsibility for the integrity of own actions and completed work, recognising the limits of your competence and experience
Comply with current best practice guidelines
Put patients’ interests first and act to protect them by working in a patient-centred way
Effectively manage own time and resources
Provide chair side support during dental procedures
Monitor, support and reassure patients throughout all aspects of their treatment, ensuring patient-centred care
Communicate appropriately, effectively and sensitively at all times and through all media
Respect patients’ dignity and choices and act without discrimination
Check that valid consent is obtained for all treatments and personal care delivery
Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
Work in the clinical environment in a safe and efficient manner
Select and prepare the correct equipment, instruments and materials
Carry out and record maintenance and testing of equipment in line with local policy, procedures and the scope of your own role
Manage and perform effective decontamination and infection control procedures complying with legislative, local and current best practice guidelines
Mix, handle, store and dispose of materials in line with manufacturers recommendations
Create and update accurate and current patient records, including social, medical and dental history, storing and archiving them securely and in line with legislation
Carry out processing of radiographs in line with local procedures and rules
Make effective decisions regarding the safety of patients when taking a radiograph
Deliver appropriate and current evidence-based oral and general health advice
Recognise and support action to deal with medical emergencies
Respond to medical emergencies and be competent in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Take part in appraisal and ongoing review processes
Take part in continuous professional development activities
Reflect on how your daily practice complies with the General Dental Council requirements for continual improvement
Comply with personal development planning as specified by the General Dental Council
Participate in quality improvement activities as required
Be collaborative and work as part of the team
Adhere to legal and ethical responsibilities in line with General Dental Council requirements
Take responsibility for the integrity of own actions and completed work, recognising the limits of your competence and experience
Comply with current best practice guidelines
Put patients’ interests first and act to protect them by working in a patient-centred way
Effectively manage own time and resources
Provide chair side support during dental procedures
Monitor, support and reassure patients throughout all aspects of their treatment, ensuring patient-centred care
Communicate appropriately, effectively and sensitively at all times and through all media
Respect patients’ dignity and choices and act without discrimination
Check that valid consent is obtained for all treatments and personal care delivery
Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
Work in the clinical environment in a safe and efficient manner
Select and prepare the correct equipment, instruments and materials
Carry out and record maintenance and testing of equipment in line with local policy, procedures and the scope of your own role
Manage and perform effective decontamination and infection control procedures complying with legislative, local and current best practice guidelines
Mix, handle, store and dispose of materials in line with manufacturers recommendations
Create and update accurate and current patient records, including social, medical and dental history, storing and archiving them securely and in line with legislation
Carry out processing of radiographs in line with local procedures and rules
Make effective decisions regarding the safety of patients when taking a radiograph
Deliver appropriate and current evidence-based oral and general health advice
Recognise and support action to deal with medical emergencies
Respond to medical emergencies and be competent in cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Take part in appraisal and ongoing review processes
Take part in continuous professional development activities
Reflect on how your daily practice complies with the General Dental Council requirements for continual improvement
Comply with personal development planning as specified by the General Dental Council
Participate in quality improvement activities as required
Be collaborative and work as part of the team

Your training plan

This qualification is a level 3 advanced apprenticeship accredited by City & Guilds and is delivered nationwide through blended interactive E-Learning, enabling learners to access the course from anywhere in the UK. Upon achievement the apprentice will be awarded a Diploma in Dental Nursing Level 3. Functional Skills English & maths level 2 qualifications unless already exempt.

More training information

Qualification: Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Standard awarded City and Guilds
Assessment: End Point Assessment (EPA) after completion of your Portfolio
Functional Skills: English and/or maths (if needed)
Training Location: Dental Practice near you + Online Webinar
Qualification Approval: Integrated Level 3 Dental Nurse qualification (General Dental Council)
Delivery: Online study with weekly teaching sessions
Off-the-Job Training: Provided and paid for by your employer
Schedule: To be agreed upon; details coming soon

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade 4/C)
Maths (grade 4/C)

Let the company know about other relevant qualifications and industry experience you have. They can adjust the apprenticeship to reflect what you already know.

Skills

Communication skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Customer care skills
Administrative skills
Team working
Initiative
Non judgemental
Patience

Other requirements

You will be required to be immunised against Hepatitis B. You will also need to pass a DBS check.

About this company

Welcome to Littlehampton Dental Care, a value-based, family-centred dental practice providing all-inclusive dental care. At Littlehampton Dental Care, we are committed to excellence in dental care, with a focus on general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, full mouth restoration, implants, smile in a day – all on 4, Invisalign, and more. With a group of highly skilled dentists in Littlehampton and a modern, technology-centric dental facility, we strive to exceed your expectations and ensure you obtain a healthy and beautiful smile. Our expert dentists in Littlehampton aim to establish long-term bonds with you, offering a wide range of services from routine examinations to complete smile makeovers. We intend to provide you with first-class, long-term dentistry to enhance your smile. Our expert dentists in Littlehampton strive to establish long-term bonds with you, providing a wide range of services from routine examinations to complete smile makeovers. We intend to provide you with first-class, long-term dentistry to enhance your smile. With years of experience and a passion for dentistry, our caring professionals guarantee that you feel relaxed and cared for in calm surroundings. Using modern cutting-edge technologies, training, induction programs, and knowledge transfer, we offer top-class, cost-effective preventative, and restorative dentistry to you, family & friends. Our purpose is to provide you with the smile you deserve. Ready to improve your dental health & make your smile shine bright? Look no further than Littlehampton Dental Care ! Whether you need regular dental care, Implants or smile makeover treatment, our skilled dentists in Littlehampton , are available to provide personalized dental care. Don’t delay your dental health! Book an appointment today with us. Contact our friendly staff for an exceptional dental experience.

https://www.littlehamptondentalcare.co.uk/ (opens in new tab)

After this apprenticeship

With experience you may be able to move into jobs like team manager, team leader or dental practice manager
With further training you could become a dental therapist, helping a dentist carry out the more routine dentistry work. You could also become a dental hygienist, helping people to look after their teeth and gums
You might decide to train as an orthodontic therapist helping dentists to improve the look and position of a patient's teeth

Health careers:

https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: