Apprenticeship for Dental Nurse

Summary

Join our friendly team at Chrysalis Dental Practice in Watford! We're looking for an apprentice Dental Nurse to join our dynamic team at our 6-surgery practice, serving both NHS and Private patients. We offer comprehensive training and mentorship, guiding you through every step of your journey to becoming a qualified dental nurse.

Wage

£9,422.40 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age

National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices

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Training course

Dental nurse (integrated) (level 3)

Hours

Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 6.00pm. Saturday, 8.00am - 12.00pm. Shift pattern can change each week (breaks to be confirmed).

24 hours a week

Start date

Thursday 31 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

Dentist, hygienist or therapist by providing dental chairside support duties relevant to stage of competence under supervision of a named GDC registrant in accordance with the GDC guidance for apprentice dental nurses
Work towards a nationally recognised qualification leading to the registration with the GDC
Follow all practice policies and procedures
Establish, promote and maintain productive working relationships with all of the dental team
Liaise with the practice manager on all matters concerning administration, pay and conditions
Assist with reception duties and perform other clerical duties if required
Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your work

Where you'll work

161 LEAVESDEN ROAD
WATFORD
WD24 5EP

Training

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

College or training organisation

ANDERSON STOCKLEY ACCREDITED TRAINING LTD

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

The training involves a combination of on-the-job training and formal education
The apprentice will likely undertake a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing, which is a nationally recognised qualification in the UK approved by the General Dental Council as meeting the requirements for entry to the professional register as a dental nurse
This qualification covers various aspects of dental nursing, including dental anatomy and physiology, patient care, infection control, dental radiography, and dental materials
During the apprenticeship, the apprentice will work alongside experienced dental professionals in a dental practice or clinic to gain practical experience and develop the necessary skills required for the role
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and attainment of the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing, the apprentice will be qualified to work as a registered dental nurse
This qualification enables them to pursue a career as a dental nurse in various settings, including NHS and private dental practices, hospitals, community dental services, and specialist dental clinics
Functional Skills in maths and English is available (if required)

Requirements

Desirable qualifications

GCSE or equivalent in:

English (grade 5)
Maths (grade 4)
Science (grade 5)

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

IT skills
Attention to detail
Organisation skills
Problem solving skills
Team working
Initiative

About this company

You can find more information about our practice on https://www.chrysalisdentalpractice.co.uk/watford/

After this apprenticeship

Dental Nurse: After completing the apprenticeship, dental nurses can pursue further specialisation in areas such as orthodontics, sedation, or dental implantology through additional training courses or certifications
Senior Dental Nurse: Experienced dental nurses may progress to senior roles within their practice or clinic, taking on supervisory responsibilities, such as training and mentoring junior staff, managing schedules, and overseeing clinical procedures
Practice Management or Dental Hygienist: Some dental nurses may choose to further their education and transition into roles such as practice managers, where they handle administrative duties, or dental hygienists, focusing on preventive dental care and patient education

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