Dental Nursing Apprentice

Develop competence across a wide range of dental chair side support procedures.
- Develop knowledge of a wide range of practical treatment procedures and the relevant support necessary to ensure effective outcomes
- Learn to prepare individual treatment rooms for a wide range of dental procedures
- Develop and demonstrate competence in decontamination and sterilization of medical and dental devices within clinical and non-clinical environments, ensuring appropriate records are completed
- Be responsible as part of the clinical team for the care of the patient from arrival to completion of treatment
- Other duties as necessary for the efficient operation of the practice (perhaps including the duties and tasks of receptionist as required)
- 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
- Recording of treatment including charting form the dentist’s instructions and other associated clerical work
- Preparation of filling materials, impression materials, instruments and equipment
- Cleaning away used instruments and materials and keeping the surgery clean and tidy
- First aid treatments for collapse e.g. coronary attack, fainting, bleeding tooth socket, epilepsy etc
- Triage of patients attending for emergency treatment
- Providing patients with pre and post-operative instructions and information prior to safely discharging the patient following, for example, minor oral surgery, and ensuring the instructions are understood
- Care and minor maintenance of equipment such as high-speed drills
- Maintaining stock levels in surgery and checking expiry dates. Re-ordering stocks when required

**SKILLS REQUIRED**:

- Communication skills
- Customer care skills
- Team working
- Patience

**PERSONAL QUALITIES**:

- Honest
- Reliable
- Hardworking

**QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED**:

- GCSE or equivalent Maths and English (Grade C/4 or Above) essential

**FUTURE PROSPECTS**: Depending on the circumstances of the business upon completion of the apprenticeship programme there could be a potential position of employment available.

**NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE**:
The current National Minimum Wage for an apprentice is £4.81 an hour. This rate applies to apprentices under 19 and those aged 19 or over who are in their first year.

Apprentices must be paid at least the minimum wage rate for their age if they are aged 19 or over and have completed their first year.

The minimum wage rates are £6.83 an hour for 18-20 year olds, £9.18 for anyone aged 21-22 and £9.50 for anyone aged 23 and over.