Dental Nurse Apprentice

Introduction

This vacancy is for an Apprentice Dental Nurse based in Kendal.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to undertake valuable work experience dealing with internal and external customers whilst gaining on the job qualifications.

About the Employer

Kendal Dental Aesthetics and Implant Clinic is a busy, modern dental practice providing NHS and private dental care. Our team is committed to delivering safe, high-quality, patient-centred treatment in a professional and supportive environment.

What You'll Do

We are looking for a motivated, reliable and caring individual to join our team as an Apprentice Dental Nurse. The successful candidate will receive practical workplace training alongside an accredited dental nursing qualification.

The Apprentice Dental Nurse will support dentists, therapists and other members of the clinical team during patient treatment while completing the required training to become a qualified and GDC-registered Dental Nurse.

The role involves preparing surgeries, assisting clinicians, maintaining high standards of infection prevention and control, supporting patients and completing apprenticeship coursework.

Clinical Support:

• Prepare the dental surgery before each patient and ensure all required instruments, materials and equipment are available
• Assist dentists and dental therapists during a range of clinical procedures
• Provide safe and effective chairside support
• Mix and prepare dental materials under supervision
• Pass instruments and materials to the clinician during treatment
• Operate dental suction equipment appropriately
• Support clinicians when taking radiographs, where permitted and under appropriate supervision
• Ensure patients are comfortable, reassured and treated with dignity
• Escort patients into and out of the surgery when required

Infection Prevention and Control:

• Follow the practice's infection prevention and control policies at all times
• Clean and disinfect dental surgeries between patients
• Decontaminate, inspect, package and sterilise dental instruments
• Operate decontamination equipment after receiving appropriate training
• Complete daily, weekly and monthly equipment checks as instructed
• Maintain clear separation between clean and contaminated areas
• Dispose of clinical and non-clinical waste correctly
• Use personal protective equipment appropriately
• Report any infection control concerns immediately

Patient Care:

• Welcome patients in a professional and friendly manner
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times
• Provide reassurance to anxious or nervous patients
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with patients, relatives and colleagues
• Support patients with additional needs, where appropriate
• Escalate any clinical or safeguarding concerns to a senior team member

Administrative Duties:

• Assist with maintaining accurate and complete patient records
• Update medical histories when instructed
• Support appointment booking and reception duties when required
• Answer telephone calls professionally
• Assist with filing, scanning and processing practice documents
• Maintain stock records and notify the appropriate person when supplies are running low
• Check deliveries and store materials correctly
• Complete relevant clinical checklists and logs

General Responsibilities:

• Follow all practice policies, procedures and standard operating procedures
• Comply with health and safety requirements
• Maintain professional behaviour, appearance and punctuality
• Work effectively as part of the dental team
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions and performance reviews
• Report accidents, incidents, complaints and near misses promptly
• Protect confidential patient, employee and business information
• Carry out any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role

Training Outcome

The apprentice will work towards becoming a qualified Dental Nurse. Candidates who successfully complete their apprenticeship, demonstrate good performance and meet the needs of the practice may be offered a permanent full-time position.

Further development opportunities may include additional qualifications in areas such as dental radiography, oral health education, impression taking, fluoride application, sedation nursing, implant nursing or practice management.

Skills Required

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Team working
• Initiative

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - English - 4/C or above
• Essential - GCSE - Maths - 4/C or above

Course Information

Course: Dental nurse (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Health and science

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday - Friday 9.00am - 6.00pm.

Expected Duration: 1 Year 9 Months

Training Provider: TRAINING 2000 LIMITED