Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

This is a fantastic opportunity to be trained as a dental nurse in a busy and friendly Dental Practice. Duties will include assisting in the provision and delivery of dental care to patients, reception duties and decontamination/sterilising in the surgery.

What you'll do

• Assist the dental operator in organising the day's activities.
• Monitor day lists and appointment diary and update as necessary.
• Prepare the surgery for use at the beginning of the session and clear up at the end of the session consistent with health and safety protocol.
• Anticipate the dental operator's requirements across a broad range of clinical procedures.
• Assist the dental operator in the provision of dental treatment and to supervise the patient until they are fit to leave the department.
• Provide pre and post-operative instructions for patients in agreement with the dental operator.
• Assist the dental operator in making arrangements for appropriate follow up care.
• Maintain hand pieces, aspirators and other equipment.
• Process and mount radiographs.
• Arrange for the timely supply of materials and laboratory work.
• Utilise keyboard skills for data entry on dental software programme.
• Greet patients at the door and escort to and from the surgery.
• Make appointments for patients in person or on the telephone for the dentist and hygienist.
• Be able to communicate comfortably and effectively with patients about money and accept and record payments for treatment in the appropriate manner.

Training

Dental Nurse (integrated) Level 3 Apprenticeship standard.

• A level 3 qualification which has been approved by the General Dental Council as meeting the requirements for entry to the professional register as a dental nurse.

You will attend weekly, off-the-job training sessions at the Oldham College.

After the apprenticeship

• Qualified Dental Nurse

With experience you could:

• Move into a team leader, manager or dental practice manager position.
• Become a dental hygienist or dental therapist with further training.
• Become an orthodontic therapist to help dentists improve the look and position of patient's teeth.

Skills

• Communication skills
• IT skills
• Attention to detail
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Administrative skills
• Number skills
• Logical
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Physical fitness
• Reliable and hard working
• Enthusiastic

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade Grade 9-4/A*-C or equivalent)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade Grade 9-4/A*-C or equivalent)

Things to consider

Hepatitis B vaccinations will be essential. You will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS. Applications will only be accepted through the College website or National Apprenticeship website: https://www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship. Please do not contact the employer direct. If your application is successful, you will be contacted by The Oldham College (normally via email/phone) to invite you to attend a pre-interview and initial assessment.

About the employer

At MF Dental Care we are passionate about beautiful smiles and good oral health. We use the latest treatments and equipment to provide high quality dental care at affordable prices in the Rochdale area. Our friendly, experienced team will strive to make your visit to our practice in Littleborough as comfortable and relaxed as possible. We offer a complete range of preventative, cosmetic and restorative treatments and aim to deliver superior care and attention to each patient.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Dental nurse (level 3), Health and science
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: THE OLDHAM COLLEGE
• Expected duration: 1 Year 9 Months
• Hours: 40 hours a week. Working week: Monday to Saturday. Hours to be agreed.
• Start date: 19 October 2026
• Positions available: 1
• Wage: £16,640 a year