Apprentice Dental Nurse

Summary

Being a dental nurse is demanding but a highly rewarding profession where you can use your personality to welcome and reassure patients. You will appreciate the need for excellent customer care paired with the very best dentistry.

Annual wage: £12,147.20 a year
Minimum wage rates (opens in new tab)
Training course: Dental nurse (integrated) (level 3)
Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30-17:00 (1 hour lunch), Friday 8:30 - 16:00 (30 min Lunch).
36 hours a week
Possible start date: Wednesday 9 October
Duration: 1 Year 6 Months
Positions available: 2

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

We are searching for a motivated, confident, bubbly and friendly individual to join our team. 

Below is a summary of the role of an apprentice Dental Nurse.  The training will be supported and supervised by the Practice Manager and other team members. This is what will ultimately be achieved.

Employment duties:

Assist 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 trainee 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

Develop and demonstrate competence in:

The chairside support procedures
The manipulation and application of dental materials across a range of dental treatment procedures
Knowledge and application of a wide range of dental instruments and equipment relevant for dental procedures
Decontamination and preparation of treatment rooms for a range of dental procedures
Decontamination of dental devices using appropriate practice decontamination equipment after receiving the necessary vaccinations
Decontamination equipment maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
Waste segregation and disposal in accordance with the practice policies and procedures
Use of the practice computer and X-ray systems
Completion of laboratory request forms and keeping records of all items sent, received and fitted
Checking that all necessary laboratory work is returned and ready for each session

Provide patient support by:

Liaising with reception over appointments for each patient
Escorting patients from the waiting room to the surgery, confirming the patient’s medical history is up-to-date and communicating to the dentist or hygiene therapist any change in medical history or problems that he/she has noted
Monitoring, supporting and reassuring patients
Supporting the patient and colleagues if there is an emergency
Providing appropriate advice to patients

Where you’ll work

White Friars House

14 White Friars

Chester

CH1 1NZ

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

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST

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