Apprentice Dental Nurse

Introduction

An exciting opportunity to start your career as an Apprentice Dental Nurse in a friendly dental practice. You will work towards the Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship with Colchester Institute, attending college one day each fortnight. Duties include assisting the dentist, preparing instruments and maintaining a clean, organised surgery.

About the Employer

For patients in Heybridge and across Maldon, Heybridge Dental Practice offers dependable, high-standard dental care in a convenient town-centre location at Bentalls Shopping Centre on Colchester Rd. With over 25 years of established experience in Essex, the practice is well placed for anyone seeking an approachable team and a welcoming environment for routine and ongoing dental needs. The clinic provides a range of services designed to support healthy teeth and confident smiles, including general dentistry as well as cosmetic, orthodontic, and restorative treatments. This makes it a useful option for those looking to address everyday concerns, improve the appearance of their smile, or require help restoring teeth after damage or decay. Importantly for local patients, the practice is accepting some NHS patients, offering additional flexibility for those who want NHS dental care where available. With a strong Google rating of 4.5/5 from 150 reviews, Heybridge Dental Practice is a popular choice for people searching for trusted dental support in the Maldon area.

What You'll Do

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.

Training Outcome

• Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship you will gain a Licence to Practice Qualification that will allow you to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) and you can move into registered/qualified positions. Once qualified and GDC-registered, dental nurses can work in NHS or private practices, community dental services, hospitals or the armed forces
• There are also opportunities to progress into dental radiography, oral health education, orthodontic nursing, sedation nursing, dental practice management, and dental hygiene or therapy (with additional training)

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Customer care skills
• Team working
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Trustworthiness
• Manual dexterity

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - 5 GCSEs including English and maths - A*-C/9-4
• Desired - GCSE - science is also preferred for career progression - A*-C/9-4

Course Information

Course: Dental nurse (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Health and science

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday - Friday, 8.45am - 5.15pm.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 6 Months

Number of Positions Available: 2

Training Provider: COLCHESTER INSTITUTE