A dental nurse works within the dental team to provide oral health care for a patient. As a dental nurse, you will come in close contact with patients of all ages who may be anxious and in need of support and reassurance. Good communication skills and a friendly manner are essential. You will assist the dentist in all aspects of patient care. This will range from sterilising and preparing instruments, mixing materials and ensuring the patient is comfortable. You may also assist the dentist with various procedures such as minor oral surgery and extractions.
The Level 3 Dental Nursing Apprenticeship will give you the opportunity to learn this role over an 18-month period. At the end of your apprenticeship, you will gain a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing.
Further information about the apprenticeship can be found here
Pay: A spot salary of £25,272 per annum
Hours: 8.30am-5pm, Monday-Friday. 37.5 hours per week
Duties will involve:
- Ensuring the patient is comfortable
- Maintain dental operating equipment – sterilising and preparing instruments
- Ensuring that all relevant materials and supplies are in place
- Look after patient records – including making notes when the dentist is examining a person
- Assist the Dentist with various procedures such as minor oral surgery and extractions
- Generally keeping the surgery ready for use
Applicants are required to have:
- 4 GCSE’s grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) in maths, English and ideally science
- Ability to learn a variety of new skills
- Ability to be professional and adhere to confidentiality in a clinical environment
- Ability to work with a variety of people from different backgrounds, including colleagues and patients
- Commitment to completing an 18-month apprenticeship.
- Flexibility to work at various sites/environments
Apprentice Dental Nurses are employed by the Leeds Dental Institute to support our 4 Outreach Clinics in Beeston, Chapel Allerton, Bradford and Hull and in various departments of the Dental Institute on a rotational basis.
You will have to undertake four rotations of one month duration at each of these outreach facilities during your fixed term contract.
Following the successful completion of your Apprenticeship there are many employment options inside and outside of LTHT. Below are just some of the opportunities available to you: Dental Nurse in a hospital, Army Dental Nurse, RAF Dental Nurse, Royal Navy Dental Nurse, Leeds Community Dental Services, Dental Sales Rep & Practice Manager.
If you are interested in this role please follow the link to Leeds Teaching Hospital Recruitment webpage and set up alerts for dental roles.