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 practise will entail assisting dentists, sterilising & preparing equipment, reception duties and supporting patient experience.

Wage

£15,704 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 to Friday, 8:45am-5:30pm

40 hours a week

Start date

Sunday 27 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

68 Tamworth Road
Ashby-De-La-Zouch
LE65 2PT

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 in:

Maths and English (grade 4)

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
Problem solving 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

DENTIST IN ASHBY DE LA ZOUCH The home of calm and gentle dentistry Our fully refurbished dental practice in Ashby-de-la-Zouch is a haven for patients looking for dental care in a state-of-the-art and friendly setting. Upon entering the practice, you will find the atmosphere to be welcoming and serene. At Rotherholme Dental, we understand the importance of a healthy and confident smile. Our practice is committed to providing the highest quality of dental care in a comfortable and welcoming environment. With a focus on preventive dentistry and patient education, we strive to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health and a smile you'll be proud to share. Personalised care runs through the core of what we do.

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.

For more information on Dental Careers : Please visit :https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: