Apprentice Dental Nurse

We have many dental nurses who have trained and qualified with Leicester College and our whole team are here to support and encourage you throughout your apprenticeship and beyond. This role involves gaining the knowledge and practical skills required to competently assist clinicians, as well as learning about other areas in dentistry.

What you'll do

You will begin by closely observing the qualified dental nurse you have been paired with, taking notes as necessary.

You will initially work, with supervision, alongside one of our hygienists, as this will help you achieve an excellent standard of patient care, ability to use basic chairside equipment and establish a 5-star routine for infection control after each appointment.

You will be taught how to maintain your surgery at the start and end of each clinical session.

You will learn how to use the sterilisation equipment in the decontamination rooms.

When working alongside a dentist, again under the supervision of a qualified dental nurse, you will start to familiarise yourself with the array of dental materials used and the various types of treatments we offer.

You will learn how to process digital radiographs and prepare impressions that are to be sent to dental labs.

Training

80% of this 24 month apprenticeship will be working with the employer and off-the-job training will follow the time allocations outlined in the Occupational Standard, which includes attending Leicester College one day a month.

After the apprenticeship

Additional courses may be available, such as radiography and IV sedation.

Skills

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

Qualifications

• Essential: GCSE, English (grade Grade 4/C)
• Essential: GCSE, Maths (grade Grade 4/C)

Things to consider

DBS enhanced check to be completed. Hep-B immunisation/proven immunity required. 2 references required. Please note the hours required depends on the apprentice's age.

Benefits

Uniform provided. Parking available on a rota basis. Team events. Some core CPD (training) included. GDC annual retention fee covered (once qualified). 22 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.

About the employer

My name is Priti and I am the Practice Manager at Glenfield Dental. I oversee the day-to-day running of the practice, mainly the administrative side as well as ensuring the welfare of the team and our patients. You can come to me with any queries or concerns you may have. Anything you speak to me about will always be kept in the strictest of confidence. Sanjay is the Owner and Practice Principal. He is a very experienced dentist and oversees the clinical side of the business.

Apprenticeship details

• Course: Dental nurse (level 3), Health and science
• Apprenticeship level: Advanced (level 3)
• Training provider: LEICESTER COLLEGE
• Expected duration: 2 Years
• Hours: 41.25 hours a week. Working week: 41.25 hours, Monday - Friday, 08:45 -18:00 (18 years +).

40 hours, Monday - Friday, 08:45 - 17:45 (if under 18).

Unpaid 60 minute lunch hour. Monday - Friday and Saturday mornings on a rota basis.

• Start date: 17 November 2026
• Positions available: 2
• Wage: £17,160 a year