Dental Nursing
The Dental Nurse role complements the role of other dental professionals. One of the primary roles is to provide chair side support to dental professionals and deliver a high level of patient care.
Dental Nurses may work in a variety of clinical environments and the Apprenticeship reflects all aspects of clinical responsibilities and duties of a dental nurse’s role and will provide the apprentice with the relevant qualification to apply to the General Dental Council (GDC) for professional registration as a dental nurse.
Apprenticeship information
Entry requirements
A minimum of two GCSE at grade 4 (C) or above in Maths and English is required
Where will I study?
Training 2000 Blackburn or online learning
Duration
18 months – one day per week
English and Maths
You will only need to complete English and Maths Functional Skills if you are unable to provide evidence of your GCSE qualifications or if your existing grades are just below the required entry requirements.
Apprentices who began their apprenticeship training when aged 19+ will no longer be subject to the mandatory requirement to study towards and achieve English and maths. However, for apprentices aged 19+, the apprentice or their employer can still choose for the apprentice to study towards an English and maths qualification.
The Functional Skills programme runs as an addition to the time you are already required to spend doing your off-the-job training. Following a thorough assessment process, we will select a learning plan suitable for you, which will be either 2-weeks full-time or 12-weeks (one day per-week) each for English and/or maths.
If a subject needs re-sitting, this will be additional time in the classroom on top of your learning plan.
Apprenticeship information
Best practice
Work to current best practice for dental nurses
Communication
Use appropriate communication maintaining professionalism at all times and through all media to provide patient-centred care
Environment
Prepare and maintain the clinical environment
Infection control
Carry out infection control procedures
Materials
Prepare, mix and handle materials
Patient records
Keep accurate and current patient records
Equipment
Prepare equipment and materials for dental procedures and radiographs
Health advice
Give appropriate oral and general health advice to patients
Medical emergencies
Recognise and deal with medical emergencies
Professional development
Take responsibility for your own professional development in line with General Dental Council requirements
Quality improvement
Contribute to the quality improvement of the service
During your Apprenticeship you will complete two multiple choice exams and complete a portfolio of work which will be assessed. At the end of your Apprenticeship you’ll go through an end-point assessment (EPA) and be graded based on a:
- Observation of clinical competency
On completion of this Apprenticeship the apprentice can register with the General Dental Council as a qualified Dental Nurse.
Next steps
On completion of this course you may want to consider the following options to further your career.
Where can you progress to?
Frequently asked questions
Your workplace will provide you with a uniform.
Yes, you would need a laptop or computer as your portfolio is electronic.
You will need to have a Hep B vaccination and TB if you haven’t already had it.
Yes, you will be observed for a variety of procedures. This will be agreed with you prior to any observations happening.
If we have any vacancies, we will put your name forward for an interview.
Yes, there is no upper age limit on doing an Apprenticeship.
There are many different routes you could take, including Dental Therapist, Oral Health Educator, joining the Armed Forces, or Dentist. As we are part of the University of Central Lancashire, you can easily progress to one of their Degrees.
Unfortunately, you will be required to fund your own travel costs.
You will be paid the Apprenticeship national minimum wage, although some workplaces may pay you more.