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Key details

Apprenticeship areas
Health and Social CareScience
Course type
Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship level
Level 3
Location
City Hub 111 Canal Street, Nottingham, NG1 7HB
Mode of attendance
Day release
Start date

You can start this course in either September or February.

Available vacancies Register your interest

Apprenticeship introduction

The Dental Nurse role complements the role of other dental professionals.

One of the primary roles is to provide chair side support to dental professionals and deliver a high level of patient care.

For the Extended Diploma you will study:

  • Preparing for Professional practice in dental nursing
  • The impact of health and safety legistlation on working practices in the dental setting
  • Prevention and control of infection in the dental setting
  • Dental Anatomy, oral health assessments and treatment planning
  • Recognising and supporting actions during first aid and medical emergencies
  • The safe use of ionising radiation to produce quality radiographic images
  • Provide support for the control of periodontal disease and caries and the restoration of cavities
  • Provide supprt during the stages of prosthetic treatments
  • Provide support during the stages of endodontic treatment
  • Provide support during extractions and minor oral surgery
  • Scientific and practical information to support the patient's oral and physical health

On completion of the Diploma the apprentice will complete the end point assessment to gain their qualification and registration with the The General Dental Council.

End Point Assessment

The End Point Assessment of the Dental Nurse apprenticeship is part of the qualification.

You cannot achieve the qualification without being successful in the End Point Assessment, which consists of the following:

  • Knowledge Test
  • Observation of Practice followed by Question and Answer
  • Interview – underpinned by a portfolio

The portfolio, which is submitted at Gateway, underpins the interview and may contain evidence taken from the on-programme portfolio.

Duration: 20 months

Apprenticeship information

Dental Nurse - Level 3

  • You will need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a relevant job but we can assist you in finding a placement.
  • You will also need GCSEs at grades 9–3 (A*–D), including English Language and Maths – one of English Language or Maths must be grade 9–4 (A*–C). Functional Skills Level 1 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 3 (D) and Functional Skills Level 2 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 (C) or above. Apprentices without Level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End Point Assessment.

Adults who are aged 19+ with appropriate industry experience but without the necessary qualifications are welcome to apply.

All applicants will be required to undertake an assessment in English and maths prior to enrolling.

Assessment includes:

  • Observation in practice by an assessor
  • Written questions and assignments
  • Professional discussion
  • Multiple choice exam on completion of Diploma criteria which forms part of the End Point Assessment
  • Registration with the General Dental Council and employment as a dental nurse
  • A range of postgraduate qualifications can be gained as part of the mandatory continuing professional development as a dental nurse.

Dental Nurses

Potential Earnings

£23,089.99

Average Earnings

£14,770.00

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing

People in these occupations diagnose, assess, and treat health problems, operate medical technology, and care for patients.

Skills

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.