Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

• Working alongside the dentist, taking instructions from them and responding in an appropriate manner
• Maintaining good infection control procedures and adhering to policies and protocols
• Ensuring cleanliness of surgery, equipment and instruments used and carrying out general housekeeping duties
• Dictate information from the dentist and record patient information correctly
• Arranging appointments, answering calls and inputting data on the computer
• Assist with administration tasks and ensure records are kept up to date and to maintain confidentiality at all times

Dental nurses interact daily with patients and, therefore, you must be able to make patients feel welcome and offer reassurance to anxious patients, endeavouring to make their experience as comfortable as possible.

Training

Level 3 Dental Nurse apprenticeship standard, which includes:

• 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
• Level 2 functional skills in maths and English (if required)
• There will be limited sessions that will require college attendance at our Walsall Campus during the training period. All other sessions remain virtual on a once-weekly basis

Full-time apprentices will typically spend 15 months on-programme working toward the occupational standard, with off-the-job training. 

The focus is now on the outcome of an apprenticeship and apprentices have to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers have identified they need.

After the apprenticeship

Once qualified, you can register as a dental nurse with the General Dental Council. Progression routes are available, and you can study further in dental-related qualifications at Level 4:

• Radiography
• Oral Health education
• Sedation