Apprentice Dental Nurse

Responsibilities Reception duties, including answering the phone, greeting patients and dealing with their queries Taking payments and booking appointments and follow‑ups Sterilising and preparing equipment for the dentist Recording, updating and managing patient records Supporting patients’ wellbeing and dental experience Cleaning dental areas, including chairs, and maintaining the clinical environment Managing stock of equipment and supplies for the dental team Supporting the senior team to provide effective patient care by identifying relevant dental, oral and craniofacial anatomy and recognising the diversity of anatomy across the patient population Evaluating the health risks of prescribed, non‑prescribed and recreational drug use and misuse on oral and general health Evaluating the scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and biomaterials used in dentistry, including their limitations and selection Identifying signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma, and explaining local and national systems that safeguard the welfare of children and adults Identifying normal and abnormal facial growth and outlining physical, mental and dental development milestones Assessing patients’ anxiety, experience and expectations in respect of dental care and oral health Contributing to relevant special investigations and diagnostic procedures and undertaking orthodontic assessment where appropriate Obtaining valid consent from patients, explaining all relevant factors and taking into account legal requirements in the scope of practice Recording accurate and contemporaneous patient history, dental charting and oral health assessment Preparing records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment; processing and managing dental radiographs and images Managing patient anxiety safely, monitoring, supporting and reassuring patients through effective communication and behavioural techniques Identifying changes in the patient’s oral health status and taking appropriate action, and arranging follow‑up care as prescribed by the operator Providing chairside support during treatment; preparing, mixing and handling dental materials Identifying and explaining risks within and around the clinical environment and managing them in a safe and effective manner Implementing, performing and managing effective decontamination and infection‑control procedures according to current guidelines Preparing and maintaining the clinical environment, including instruments and equipment Assessing and managing medical emergencies within the practice Providing patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice, instruction and intervention that promotes self‑care and motivates adherence to oral health goals Supporting the management of patients with acute oral conditions, ensuring appropriate dental team involvement Adopting an evidence‑based approach to clinical practice and adopting a continuous improvement mindset Communicating effectively and sensitively with all patients, the public and colleagues through spoken, written and electronic means, including use of interpreters where necessary Maintaining contemporaneous, complete and accurate patient records in accordance with legal requirements and best practice Demonstrating effective teamwork, respecting the roles of other healthcare professionals, and supporting the wider team in the delivery of dental care Leading, managing and taking professional responsibility for the actions of dental team colleagues where appropriate; delegating and referring work within scope of practice Raising concerns where necessary about personal or others’ health, behaviour or professional performance, and acting in accordance with best practice, governance and legal frameworks Acting with integrity, accountability, and cultural competence, and promoting the safety and wellbeing of patients and the dental team Qualifications and Skills GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4) – additional qualifications and industry experience welcomed Communication skills Attention to detail Organisational skills Customer care skills Administrative skills Team working Initiative Non‑judgemental attitude Patience Apprenticeship – Training Details Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Standard (City and Guilds) – practical on‑the‑job training with weekly blended learning sessions Functional Skills in English and Maths (if required) End‑Point Assessment (EPA) to evaluate competency and prepare for GDC registration Training delivered nationwide with online study and on‑site training at a dental practice Career pathway includes potential progression to team manager, dental practice manager, dental therapist, dental hygienist or orthodontic therapist About Us – Bolton Dental Practice We are proud to support our local community of Bolton and surrounding areas with NHS and private dental treatment in a comfortable, relaxing environment. Our patients are our priority and we promise to: • Welcome you into a caring and professional environment• Ensure your visits are as comfortable as possible• Listen to you with respect and respond to your concerns• State clearly any costs associated with the proposed dental treatment #J-18808-Ljbffr