Apprentice Dental Nurse

Closes in 10 days (Tuesday 20 January 2026 at 11:59pm)

We are a welcoming dental practice based in a beautiful village, where our team has been caring for families for generations. You'll work closely with our clinicians to assist during procedures, maintain the highest standard of cross-infection control and help patients feel ond the clinical duties, you'll be part of an amazing team.

Hours Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 5:30pm, with 1 hour unpaid break (1.00pm - 2.00pm).

43 hours a week

Tuesday 3 February 2026

Duration

2 years

1

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.

Typical duties for a dental nurse include:

• Taking responsibility for the decontamination of instruments.
• Ensuring that all relevant materials and supplies are in place.
• Looking after patient records – including making notes when the dentist is examining a patient.
• Working closely with the dentist, responding quickly to requests and generally keeping the surgery ready for use.
• You’ll also be responsible for ensuring high standards of cleanliness and control of the practice.
• Liaise with reception to ensure smooth patient communications and transfer of records.
• Attend and participate in practice meetings.
• Other duties as necessary for the efficient operation of the practice.
• Undergo training as may be required to develop skills and abilities.
• Attend refresher and update training for medical emergencies and CPR.
• Act in accordance with the practice rules and code of conduct.
• Reception duties; answering the phone in a professional manner, booking appointments using practice computers.
• Money processing and issuing receipts.

62 High Street
Tarvin
Chester
CH3 8JB

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

• Identify relevant and appropriate dental, oral, craniofacial, and general anatomy, recognising the diversity of anatomy across the patient population.
• Evaluate the health risks of prescribed, non‑prescribed and recreational drug use and misuse on oral and general health.
• Evaluate the scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and Biomaterials, their limitations and selection, with emphasis on those used in dentistry.
• Identify the signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma, explain local and national systems that safeguard the welfare of children and adults.
• Identify the signs of normal and abnormal facial growth, physical, mental and dental development milestones and explain their significance.
• Assess patients’ levels of anxiety, experience, and expectations in respect of dental care and oral health.
• Contribute to relevant special investigations and diagnostic procedures.
• Undertake orthodontic assessment.
• Obtain valid consent from patients explaining all the relevant factors and taking into account the legal requirements where appropriate within scope of practice.
• Record an accurate and contemporaneous patient history.
• Accurately record dental charting as carried out by other appropriate registrants.
• Accurately record an oral health assessment.
• Prepare records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment.
• Process and manage dental radiographs and images.
• Manage patient anxiety appropriately, effectively, and safely.
• Monitor, support and reassure patients through effective communication and behavioural techniques.
• Identify changes in the patient’s reported oral health status and take appropriate action.
• Make arrangements for follow‑up care as prescribed by the operator.
• Provide chairside support to the operator during treatment.
• Prepare, mix and handle dental materials.
• Identify and explain the risks within and around the clinical environment and manage these in a safe and effective manner.
• Implement, perform, and manage effective decontamination and infection control procedures according to current guidelines.
• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment including the instruments and equipment.
• Identify, assess, and manage medical emergencies.
• Provide patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice, instruction, and intervention in a manner…