Dental Nurse Apprenticeship
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Location: Forest Row, RH18 5DW
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Type: Apprenticeship
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Salary: National Minimum Wage
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Sector: Health, Public Services and Care
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Ref: VAC-04336
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Application Deadline Date: 22/05/2026
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Start Date: 25/05/2026
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Positions Available: 1
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Working Week: Monday to friday 9-6pm
Brief Description
RH18 5DW. We are excited to offer an opportunity for a Apprentice Dental Nurse to join our friendly and supportive dental team. This role is ideal for someone looking to begin a rewarding career in dentistry. No previous experience is required full training, mentoring, and support will be provided throughout your development.
Qualifications Required
Potential apprentices must have GCSEs at A-C or 4-9 or equivalent, in Maths and English.
Personal Qualities
Calm, Compassionate, Confident, Caring, Thirst for Knowledge
Skills Required
· A keen interest in the dental nurse profession
· Tact and discretion for handling confidential patient information responsibly.
· Clear and effective communication skills, essential for patient care and teamwork.
· Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients.
· Collaborative teamwork abilities to work seamlessly with colleagues.
· Exceptional organisational and time management skills to handle priorities effectively.
· Ability to multi-task, managing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
· Calm demeanour in fast-paced environments, maintaining focus and professionalism.
· Ability to remain composed under pressure, managing high-stress situations effectively.
Training to be Provided
Dental Nurse (Integrated) Level 3
Future Prospects
Advancing Within Dental Nursing:
- Lead Dental Nurse: Take on more responsibilities by managing other dental nurses and overseeing practice operations.
- Practice Manager: Move into a management role, handling the day-to-day running of the dental practice.
Specialisation Opportunities:
- Orthodontic Nursing: Assist in orthodontic treatments, gaining expertise in appliances and aligners.
Moving Into Clinical Roles:
- Dental Hygienist or Therapist: With further qualifications, progress into roles focused on providing oral hygiene treatments or minor dental procedures.
- Extended Duties Dental Nurse: Gain additional skills such as fluoride application, impression taking, or assisting in sedation procedures.
Transition to Education or Research:
- Trainer or Assessor: Use your experience to teach and assess trainee dental nurses.
- Dental Researcher: Contribute to advancements in dentistry by working in research roles.
Related Healthcare Careers:
- Specialist Healthcare Settings: Work in maxillofacial units, hospitals, or with oral surgeons.
- Broader Healthcare Roles: Transition into other areas of healthcare, leveraging transferable skills.
Extended Skills:
- Dental Radiography: Train to take radiographs, an essential skill in modern dental practices.
- Oral Health Promotion: Work with patients and communities to educate on oral hygiene and preventative care.
Vacancy Detail
You’ll work closely with qualified dental professionals, gaining hands-on experience across all areas of dental nursing. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to build confidence, develop new skills, and work towards becoming a fully qualified Dental Nurse in a professional and welcoming private practice environment.
This is a patient-facing role where enthusiasm, reliability, and a positive attitude are just as important as technical skills. If you enjoy helping others and want a career where no two days are the same, this could be the perfect starting point.
Key Responsibilities
As a Trainee Dental Nurse, you will:
• Assist dentists and clinicians during a range of dental treatments and procedures
• Ensure patients feel comfortable, informed, and reassured throughout their visit
• Prepare treatment rooms and ensure all equipment and materials are ready for use
• Clean, sterilise, and maintain instruments in line with infection control standards
• Follow health, safety, and confidentiality policies at all times
• Support patients with pre and post treatment guidance
• Accurately update patient records using computer-based systems
• Help manage appointment flow and support the smooth running of the practice
• Assist with basic administrative duties as required
What We’re Looking For
We believe the right attitude and mindset are key. You don’t need dental experience, we’re looking for someone who:
• Has a positive, can do approach and is eager to learn
• Is genuinely interested in patient care and personal development
• Is reliable, punctual, and takes pride in being professional
• Enjoys working as part of a team and supporting others
• Communicates clearly and confidently with both patients and colleagues
• Can stay organised and manage multiple tasks in a busy environment
• Has basic IT skills and is comfortable learning new systems
What We Offer
• Full training and support towards a recognised Dental Nurse qualification
• On-the-job learning alongside experienced dental professionals
• A friendly, supportive, and professional team environment
• A great opportunity to build long-term career progression within dentistry
• Valuable experience in a high-quality private practice setting
Once you successfully complete your Dental Nurse Apprenticeship and become a qualified Dental Nurse, there are many exciting career pathways available within dentistry.
Depending on your interests, you could progress into areas such as:
• Specialist dental nursing, including orthodontics, implants, sedation, or oral surgery
• Dental Radiography with further training
• Practice-based roles such as lead nurse or treatment coordinator
• Further education in dental hygiene, dental therapy, or other healthcare roles