Apprentice Dental Nurse

Cheshire College - South & West; Chester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A dental practice in Chester is offering an apprenticeship in Dental Nursing. The successful candidate will assist in procedures, maintain high standards of cleanliness, and provide chairside support. Training will be provided by Cheshire College - South & West, leading to a Level 3 Apprenticeship qualification. Candidates should have GCSEs in Maths and English, or equivalent, and demonstrate strong customer care skills. This position offers the potential for permanent employment after successful completion of the apprenticeship.

Qualifications

• GCSE grades A*-C (9-4) in Maths and English or equivalent.
• Share any other relevant qualifications and industry experience.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with the decontamination of instruments.
• Maintaining patient records.
• Providing chairside support during procedures.
• Ensuring high standards of cleanliness.
• Working closely with the dentist.

Skills

Customer care skills

Reliability

Education

GCSE in Maths and English (A*-C)

Job description

Closes in 10 days (Tuesday 20 January 2026 at 11:59pm)

We are a welcoming dental practice based in a beautiful village, where our team has been caring for families for generations. You'll work closely with our clinicians to assist during procedures, maintain the highest standard of cross-infection control and help patients feel at ease. Beyond the clinical duties, you'll be part of an amazing team.

Hours Monday to Friday, 8.00am - 5.30pm, with 1 hour unpaid break (1.00pm - 2.00pm).

43 hours a week

Tuesday 3 February 2026

Duration: 2 years

Work

Most of your apprenticeship is spent working. You’ll learn on the job by getting hands‑on experience.

What you'll do at work

Typical duties for a dental nurse include:

• Taking responsibility for the decontamination of instruments.
• Ensuring that all relevant materials and supplies are in place.
• Looking after patient records – including making notes when the dentist is examining a patient.
• Working closely with the dentist, responding quickly to requests and generally keeping the surgery ready for use.
• You’ll also be responsible for ensuring high standards of cleanliness and control of the practice.
• Liaise with reception to ensure smooth patient communications and transfer of records.
• Attend and participate in practice meetings.
• Other duties as necessary for the efficient operation of the practice.
• 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.
• Reception duties; answering the phone in a professional manner, booking appointments using practice computers.
• Money processing and issuing receipts.

Where you'll work

62 High Street
Tarvin
Chester
CH3 8JB

Training

Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.

• Identify relevant and appropriate dental, oral, craniofacial, and general anatomy, recognising the diversity of anatomy across the patient population.
• Evaluate the health risks of prescribed, non‑prescribed and recreational drug use and misuse on oral and general health.
• Evaluate the scientific principles underpinning the use of materials and biomaterials, their limitations and selection, with emphasis on those used in dentistry.
• Identify the signs of abuse, neglect or emotional trauma, explain local and national systems that safeguard the welfare of children and adults.
• Identify the signs of normal and abnormal facial growth, physical, mental and dental development milestones and explain their significance.
• Assess patients’ levels of anxiety, experience, and expectations in respect of dental care and oral health.
• Contribute to relevant special investigations and diagnostic procedures.
• Undertake orthodontic assessment.
• Obtain valid consent from patients explaining all the relevant factors and taking into account the legal requirements where appropriate within scope of practice.
• Record an accurate and contemporaneous patient history.
• Accurately record dental charting as carried out by other appropriate registrants.
• Accurately record an oral health assessment.
• Prepare records, images, equipment and materials for clinical assessment.
• Process and manage dental radiographs and images.
• Manage patient anxiety appropriately, effectively, and safely.
• Monitor, support and reassure patients through effective communication and behavioural techniques.
• Identify changes in the patient’s reported oral health status and take appropriate action.
• Make arrangements for follow‑up care as prescribed by the operator.
• Provide chairside support to the operator during treatment.
• Prepare, mix and handle dental materials.
• Identify and explain the risks within and around the clinical environment and manage these in a safe and effective manner.>
• Implement, perform, and manage effective decontamination and infection control procedures according to current guidelines.
• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment including the instruments and equipment.
• Identify, assess, and manage medical emergencies.
• Provide patients/carers with comprehensive, personalised preventive advice, instruction, and intervention in a manner which is accessible, promotes self‑care and motivates patients/carers to comply with advice and take responsibility to maintain and improve oral health.
• Support the management of patients with acute oral conditions ensuring involvement of appropriate dental team members.
• Adopt an evidence‑based approach to clinical practice.

In‑house training plus the candidate will follow a Level 3 Apprenticeship programme and study towards a full Standard in Dental Nursing. This training will be structured and delivered by Cheshire College – South & West. If the candidate does not hold GCSE grades A*‑C (9‑4) in Maths and English, or equivalent, they will be required to complete a Level 1 Functional Skill in the relevant subject.

Requirements

GCSE in:

Share if you have other relevant qualifications and industry experience. The apprenticeship can be adjusted to reflect what you already know.

Skills

• Customer care skills
• Reliable

Other requirements

Easily accessible. Good connectivity by bus.

About this employer

Many of our nurses have been working with us for over 20 years, which reflects the supportive and close‑knit environment we work in. Tudor House Dental Surgery has been a trusted family dental practice in Tarvin and the surrounding Chester areas since 1983. We provide high‑quality dental care with a strong focus on patient well‑being.

We are proud to continue the legacy of exceptional dentistry while maintaining the family‑oriented values that have made our practice a community cornerstone. Our commitment to patient‑centred care remains at the heart of everything we do. We ensure that every visit is a positive and comfortable experience.

Our highly skilled team takes a holistic approach to dental health, combining experience, advanced techniques, and a passion for creating healthy, confident smiles. We believe in open and honest communication and work closely with our patients to provide personalised treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

At Tudor House Dental Surgery, we understand that convenience is key. That’s why we offer flexible appointment times and affordable treatment options, making top‑quality dental care accessible for everyone. Whether you’re a returning patient or visiting us for the first time, you’ll always be welcomed with warmth and care.

After this apprenticeship

Possibility of permanent employment following satisfactory completion.

The contact for this apprenticeship is:

CHESHIRE COLLEGE SOUTH AND WEST

The reference code for this apprenticeship is VAC2000007024.

Apply now

Closes in 10 days (Tuesday 20 January 2026 at 11:59pm)