Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

Introduction

PO3 5EF We are excited to offer an opportunity for an Apprentice Dental Nurse to join our friendly and supportive dental team. This role is ideal for someone looking to begin a rewarding career in dentistry. No previous experience is required full training, mentoring, and support will be provided throughout your development.

About the Employer

What You'll Do

(Portmouth) You’ll work closely with qualified dental professionals, gaining hands-on experience across all areas of dental nursing. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to build confidence, develop new skills, and work towards becoming a fully qualified Dental Nurse in a professional and welcoming private practice environment. This is a patient-facing role where enthusiasm, reliability, and a positive attitude are just as important as technical skills. If you enjoy helping others and want a career where no two days are the same, this could be the perfect starting point. 
 
Key Responsibilities:

As a Trainee Dental Nurse, you will: 

• Assist dentists and clinicians during a range of dental treatments and procedures 
• Ensure patients feel comfortable, informed, and reassured throughout their visit 
• Prepare treatment rooms and ensure all equipment and materials are ready for use 
• Clean, sterilise, and maintain instruments in line with infection control standards 
• Follow health, safety, and confidentiality policies at all times 
• Support patients with pre and post treatment guidance 
• Accurately update patient records using computer-based systems 
• Help manage appointment flow and support the smooth running of the practice 
• Assist with basic administrative duties as required 

What We’re Looking For:

We believe the right attitude and mindset are key. You don’t need dental experience; we’re looking for someone who: 

• Has a positive, can-do approach and is eager to learn 
• Is genuinely interested in patient care and personal development 
• Is reliable, punctual, and takes pride in being professional 
• Enjoys working as part of a team and supporting others 
• Communicates clearly and confidently with both patients and colleagues 
• Can stay organised and manage multiple tasks in a busy environment 
• Has basic IT skills and is comfortable learning new systems 

What We Offer

• Full training and support towards a recognised Dental Nurse qualification 
• On-the-job learning alongside experienced dental professionals 
• A friendly, supportive, and professional team environment 
• A great opportunity to build long-term career progression within dentistry 
• Valuable experience in a high-quality private practice setting 

Once you successfully complete your Dental Nurse Apprenticeship and become a qualified Dental Nurse, there are many exciting career pathways available within dentistry. 

Depending on your interests, you could progress into areas such as: 

• Specialist dental nursing, including orthodontics, implants, sedation, or oral surgery 
• Dental Radiography with further training 
• Practice-based roles such as lead nurse or treatment coordinator 
• Further education in dental hygiene, dental therapy, or other healthcare roles 

Training Outcome

Advancing Within Dental Nursing:

• Lead Dental Nurse: Take on more responsibilities by managing other dental nurses and overseeing practice operations
• Practice Manager: Move into a management role, handling the day-to-day running of the dental practice

Specialisation Opportunities:

• Orthodontic Nursing: Assist in orthodontic treatments, gaining expertise in appliances and aligners

Moving Into Clinical Roles:

• Dental Hygienist or Therapist: With further qualifications, progress into roles focused on providing oral hygiene treatments or minor dental procedures
• Extended Duties Dental Nurse: Gain additional skills such as fluoride application, impression taking, or assisting in sedation procedures

Transition to Education or Research:

• Trainer or Assessor: Use your experience to teach and assess trainee dental nurses
• Related Healthcare Careers
• Specialist Healthcare Settings: Work in maxillofacial units, hospitals, or with oral surgeons
• Broader Healthcare Roles: Transition into other areas of healthcare, leveraging transferable skills

Extended Skills:

• Dental Radiography: Train to take radiographs, an essential skill in modern dental practices
• Oral Health Promotion: Work with patients and communities to educate on oral hygiene and preventative care

Skills Required

• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Customer care skills
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Organisation skills
• Patience
• Team working

Qualifications

• Essential - GCSE - Maths and English - 4-9

Course Information

Course: Dental nurse (level 3)

Level: 3

Route: Health and science

Apprenticeship Level: Advanced

Working Arrangements

Working Week: Monday to Friday 8.30am - 6pm

Expected Duration: 1 Year 3 Months

Training Provider: I & F LIMITED