Apprentice Dental Nurse - Cornwall

The apprenticeship in dental nursing is a 12-month government-funded course by City & Guilds, a Level 3 Extended Diploma. Alongside your learning, your job role within the practice will entail assisting dentists, sterilising & preparing equipment, reception duties and supporting patient experience.

What you'll do

Provide efficient and reliable chair-side support to the dental surgery.

The day-to-day duties of a dental nurse can span across all areas of the practice and can include:

• Reception, including answering the phone and greeting patients
• Dealing with patient queries
• Taking payments
• Booking appointments and follow-ups
• Sterilising and preparing equipment for dentists
• Recording and dealing with patient records
• Supporting patients' wellbeing and dental experience
• Cleaning dental areas, including chairs
• Managing stock of equipment and supplies
• Any other duties to support the dentists and senior team to provide effective patient care

Training

• Dental Nurse (GDC 2023) Level 3 (A level) Apprenticeship Standard
• The training will take place at the dental surgery
• Off-the-job training is on average 7 hours per week

After the apprenticeship

• With experience, you may be able to move into jobs like team manager, team leader or dental practice manager
• With further training, you could become a dental therapist, helping a dentist carry out the more routine dentistry work
• You could also become a dental hygienist, helping people to look after their teeth and gums
• You might decide to train as an orthodontic therapist, helping dentists to improve the look and position of a patient's teeth

For more information on Dental Careers, please visit: https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/

Skills

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Team working
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Patient Care

Qualifications

• Desired: GCSE, English (grade 4)
• Desired: GCSE, Maths (grade 4)

Things to consider

• Passing a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• To get a Hepatitis B vaccine

About the employer

A healthcare provider that offers general dental services, from routine check-ups to more complex procedures like fillings and restorations

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Dental nurse (level 3), Health and science
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: HARRIET ELLIS TRAINING SOLUTIONS LIMITED
• Expected duration: 1 Year
• Hours: 30 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Friday, shifts to be confirmed; some evening and weekend work may be required depending on the rota.
• Start date: 11 November 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £12,480 a year