Summary
This dental practice has fantastic opportunity to join their team as an Apprentice Dental Nurse. As part of this role you will study towards the Dental Nurse Level 3 Apprenticeship with Colchester Institute, attending college one day per week. Your main duties will include be assisting the dentist with preparing instruments and equipment.
Wage
£11,778 for your first year, then could increase depending on your age
National Minimum Wage rate for apprentices
Annual wage: £11,778 - £15,600 Hourly wage: £7.55 - £10
Training course
Dental nurse (integrated) (level 3)
Hours
Monday - Friday hours between 8.15am - 5.30pm. Specific hours allocated by rota each week.
30 hours a week
Start date
Monday 1 September 2025
Duration
2 years
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
Your main duties will be assisting the dentist with preparing instruments and equipment, mixing different materials as required and providing suction support.
You will undertake your practical duties such as:
* Cross infection control and decontamination
* Chair side clinical treatments supporting the dentist
* Processing of x-rays
* Accurate record keeping in line with the GDPR
Possible rotation in the practice may also involve working in central decontamination and reception duties.
Where you’ll work
63 THORNEY ROAD
CAPEL ST MARY
IPSWICH
IP9 2LL
Training
Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
College or training organisation
COLCHESTER INSTITUTE
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
* The Apprentice will be working towards the Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Standard for a duration of 24 months which includes the City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing
* College attendance will be at the Colchester Institute (Colchester Campus) one day per week during term time
* During the course all students are observed regularly in the workplace undertaking clinical duties and ensuring they are following safe working practice
Requirements
Essential qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* 5 GCSEs including maths and English (grade 9-4/A*-C)
Desirable qualifications
GCSE or equivalent in:
* science is also preferred for career progression (grade 9-4/A*-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
* Customer care skills
* Team working
* Initiative
* Non judgemental
* Patience
* Trustworthy
* Manual dexterity
Other requirements
Course commences in September but commencement of work could be earlier if the candidate is available - this can be negotiated individually depending on personal circumstances and commitments. The successful applicant will be required to undertake a DBS check and complete a course Hepatitis B vaccinations.