Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

The role of a dental nurse is to assist the dental surgeon or dental hygienist with all clinical aspects within the surgery. This can include the following aspects:

• Meeting, greeting and caring for patients in a polite and professional manner at all times
• Working closely with the dentist or hygienist in a professional and appropriate manner
• Providing chair-side assistance during all dental procedures, using four-handed dentistry and remaining a step ahead at all times
• Updating computer records, patient's personal files, taking notes and recording clinical assessments
• Cleaning the surgery to a high standard, maintaining strict cross infection control and adhering to policies and standards as set by the GDC in line with The Health Technical Memoranda
• Preparing instruments and materials before and during treatments and maintaining stock control
• Re-processing re-usable items in the correct manner to ensure sterilisation has been appropriately achieved

Training

Your qualification will also provide you with the relevant qualification to apply for professional registration as a dental nurse with the General Dental Council (GDC)

What you will study:

• The Role of a Dental Nurse and Legislation Health & Safety Cross Infection Control Anatomy and Treatment Planning Medical Emergencies and First Aid Dental Radiography Oral Hygiene Orthodontics, Endodontic and Oral Surgery Restorations, Gingival Health and Prosthetics
• You will complete on and off the job training whilst being fully supported throughout, progressing to 'gateway' and finally sit your end point assessment (EPA)

After the apprenticeship

A good route into the role of a dental hygiene/therapist, dental radiographer, treatment coordinator, or specialist surgery such as maxillofacial/theatre nurse. Once qualified the career progression routes are endless, you could even possibly become a team leader or dental practice manager.

Things to consider

You will need to have a keen interest in becoming a dental nurse and not be put off by the sight of blood and saliva, you will also be standing for long periods of time. You will be required to have a DBS check and be vaccinated against Hepatitis B.