Meltham Dental Care / Apprentice dental nurse

During the Dental Nurse Apprenticeship, you will receive ongoing support, development and training to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to qualify and have a successful career in dental nursing.

Your daily activities could include:

• Assisting the dentist in providing safe and effective treatments to patients, from simple check-ups to advanced specialist treatments
• Providing patients with a high level of care
• Setting up and cleaning surgery
• Sterilising instruments
• Updating patient records
• Maintaining equipment
• Preparing instruments and materials for various treatments
• Adhering to practice policies and procedures

During your working day, the dental practice will support you with learning the practical skills required, whilst your training provider (Aspiration Training) will teach you the theory side.  Your study will be based online with regular teaching and 1-2-1 sessions.  Off the job training will be given throughout your apprenticeship during paid working hours.

The apprenticeship provides employment and training within a dental practice to study the Level 3 dental nurse apprenticeship.  The apprenticeship is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to ensure competency in all aspects of clinical duties including: -

• Preparing for Professional Practice in Dental Nursing
• Infection Prevention and Control
• First Aid and Medical Emergencies
• Oral and General Health
• Endodontic Treatments
• Prosthetic Treatments
• Radiation and Radiography
• Periodontal Disease and Cavity Restoration
• Health and Safety
• Extractions and Minor Oral Surgery

Management of Oral Health Diseases and Dental Anatomy, Oral Health Assessments and Treatment Planning

Upon successful completion you will awarded the relevant qualification to apply for professional registration as a dental nurse to the General Dental Council (GDC).

This is a great opportunity to be trained and secure long-term employment. Once qualified, there are a number of routes for further training and development, including dental hygienist, dental therapist or dental cosmetics. Also, the opportunity for career progression into head nurse, team leader, or practice manager.

A passion and desire to work within the dental sector is essential and to not be put off at the sight of blood. If you are using public transport to get to the practice, please ensure you have researched the route and that a regular service is available. It is also a requirement to have a course of Hepatitis B vaccines and a clear enhanced DBS.