Summary
This is an exciting opportunity to train for a career as a Dental Nurse. Apprentices will be employed by a CQC registered Dental Practice who will support their learning on the job as well as gain an industry-recognised qualification.
Wage
£11,980.80 a year
From April 2025: £7.55 X 36 hrs pw X 52 weeks pa = £14,133.60
Training course
Dental nurse (integrated) (level 3)
Hours
Pro-rata and will include some Saturdays. Shifts TBC.
36 hours a week
Possible start date
Monday 3 March
Duration
2 years
Positions available
1
Work
As an apprentice, you’ll work at a company and get hands-on experience. You’ll gain new skills and work alongside experienced staff.
What you’ll do at work
Main Duties:
Clinical
* Set-up and prepare the surgery for the type of patient and treatment planned before the start of each session.
* Clean and sterilise all instruments/equipment and working surfaces to the required standards at the end of each session.
* Prepare the necessary materials and instruments.
* Ensure safe disposal of sharps and clinical waste.
* Process, dental radiographs and assist in the correct procedure for dental radiography either via the computer or processing unit.
* Maintain and clean radiograph processing unit.
* Establish and maintain productive working relationships with all members of the dental team.
* Escort patients from the waiting room to the surgery, confirming the medical history is up-to-date and warning the dentist of any problems that he/she has noted.
* Monitor and maintain stocks within dental surgery as necessary, informing the Practice Manager/Principal Dentist and liaising with them over necessary orders and warning of any shortages of materials in the stock cupboard.
* Perform chaperoning duties for dentists when treating patients.
* Follow all practice policies and procedures.
* Obey all dental ethical guidelines including all rules on confidentiality.
* Report equipment failures or breakages to the Practice Manager/Principal Dentist.
* Continually interpret the needs of patients and dentists and deal with them promptly and efficiently.
Administrative
* To meet and greet clients in a friendly and efficient manner.
* To update patient medical forms.
* To ensure the correct NHS forms have been signed.
* To ensure the correct Private forms have been signed and updated.
* To book appointments on the computer or appointment book for clients either face to face to by telephone.
* To work and learn skills of a dental receptionist.
* To liaise with the Practice Manager/Principal Dentist on all matters concerning administration, pay and service conditions.
* To take reasonable care for her/his own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by her/his acts or omissions at work.
* Assist the dentist in the completion of patient records.
* Ensure that all necessary laboratory work is returned and ready for each session.
* Assist in all clerical and administrative duties as required by the Practice Manager/Principal Dentist.
* Identify your training and development needs and undertake appropriate training as required and agreed with the Practice Manager/Principal Dentist.
* Perform any other tasks that are reasonably requested by the Principal Dentist.
* To positively promote services available at the clinic in order to improve sales.
Where you’ll work
Streatfield Dental Surgery, 206 Streatfield Road
Harrow
HA3 9BU
Training
An apprenticeship includes regular training with a college or other training organisation. At least 20% of your working hours will be spent training or studying.
College or training organisation
HRUC (HARROW, RICHMOND AND UXBRIDGE COLLEGES)
Your training course
Dental nurse (integrated) (level 3)
Equal to A level
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
Apprentices will be required to attend college at least x1 day per week either at Uxbridge, Harrow or Hayes Campus completing necessary mandatory training and units associated with the apprenticeship.
The apprentice will be required to complete:
• Work towards gaining a full Qualification.
• Employment Rights and Responsibilities.
• Skills, Knowledge, and Behaviours.
• Standard and End Point Assessment.
• Functional Skills in English, Maths (if required)
Other training will be provided by the employer as required to enable the fulfilment of the job role such as BLS training.
More training information
* L3 Dental nurse (integrated) Apprenticeship Standard
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* English (grade 4-9)
* Maths (grade 4-9)
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
* IT skills
* Number skills
Other requirements
Looking for someone who is committed to this being a long-term career.