Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Summary

A fantastic opportunity to be trained as a dental nurse and also secure long-term employment with an employer who will help to develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours.

Annual wage: £13,312 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Dental nurse (integrated) (level 3)
Hours: Days and shifts to be confirmed.
40 hours a week
Possible start date: Monday 10 February
Duration: 1 year 6 months
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

The role of a dental nurse is to assist the dental surgeon or dental hygienist with all clinical aspects within the surgery. This can include the following aspects:

Meeting, greeting and caring for patients in a polite and professional manner at all times
Working closely with the dentist or hygienist in a professional and appropriate manner
Providing chair-side assistance during all dental procedures, using four-handed dentistry and remaining a step ahead at all times
Updating computer records, patient's personal files, taking notes and recording clinical assessments. Cleaning the surgery to a high standard, maintaining strict cross infection control and adhering to policies and standards as set by the GDC in line with The Health Technical Memoranda
Preparing instruments and materials before and during treatments and maintaining stock control
Re-processing re-usable items in the correct manner to ensure sterilisation has been appropriately achieved

Where you’ll work

67 Shorbutts Lane

Lichfield

WS14 9BY

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

SANDWELL COLLEGE

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

Level 3 Advanced Dental Nurse Diploma offers employment within a dental practice which is accredited by City & Guilds. It enables you to develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to work competently in all aspects of clinical responsibilities in dentistry.

Your qualification will also provide you with the relevant qualification to apply for professional registration as a dental nurse with the General Dental Council (GDC). What you will study: The Role of a Dental Nurse and Legislation Health & Safety Cross Infection Control Anatomy and Treatment Planning Medical Emergencies and First Aid Dental Radiography Oral Hygiene Orthodontics, Endodontic and Oral Surgery Restorations, Gingival Health and Prosthetics.

You will complete on and off the job training whilst being fully supported throughout, progressing to 'gateway' and finally sit your end point assessment (EPA).

Requirements

Essential qualifications

GCSE or equivalent 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

Attention to detail
Communication skills
Customer care skills
Number skills
Organisation skills
Patience
Team working

Other requirements

You will need to have a keen interest in becoming a dental nurse and not be put off by the sight of blood and saliva, you will also be standing for long periods of time. You will be required to have a DBS check and be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.

About this company

We provide quality dental care in a relaxing and safe environment, paying special attention to patient comfort and safety. Our dental team is well versed in all areas of modern dentistry. We are committed to providing a full range of general and cosmetic dental options, from crowns and bridges to teeth whitening, smile design and implants, to help you achieve a cleaner, healthier, and more attractive smile.

After this apprenticeship

A good route into the role of a dental hygiene / therapist, dental radiographer, treatment coordinator, or specialist surgery such as maxillofacial / theatre nurse. Once qualified the career progression routes are endless, you could even possibly become a team leader or dental practice manager.

Ask a question

The contact for this apprenticeship is: