Are you or someone you know, seeking an opportunity to earn while you learn? If the answer is yes, we may just have the vacancy for you.
We have an exciting opportunity for a caring, enthusiastic, and well-motivated, Dental Nurse Apprentice to join our Bury St Edmunds team, which operates as part of Dental HealthCare Suffolk. This is a unique opportunity to work within East of England Community Dental Services, supporting a wide range of patient groups.
The post holder will be given the opportunity to work towards a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing, covering reception work, cross infection procedures and chairside support. You will be supported by an experienced dental team, workplace mentor, apprenticeship assessor and training provider - West Suffolk College.
The Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing is gained by completing a portfolio of evidence, workbooks, observations in the workplace and four invigilated exams. At the end of the apprenticeship, you will take an End Point Assessment which will consist of a project and interview
The position is for a fixed term of 24 months. Please note, if you already hold this qualification you will not be eligible for this position. To meet the funding criteria you must be age 16 or over, have the right to work in the UK and have lived in the UK for the last 3 years and cannot be studying a government funded course.
As an apprentice at East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust, you will have a real responsibility, within a real job, contributing to delivering outstanding dental care to our service users.
The apprentice Dental Nurse appointed to this post will receive training in dental nursing leading to a recognised qualification which meets the requirements of the statutory register held by the General Dental Council.
The apprentice would achieve a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing which will include a Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing as agreed between you, your line manager.
The apprentice dental nurse will develop their skills and knowledge through in-house training, observation and assessment. You will be supervised at all times but you will also be encouraged to use your own initiative which will enable you to develop your communication and nursing skills.
Knowledge of computer use is essential for imputing patient data, treatment planning, payment transactions and other services. Undertake reception duties when required.
Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
Should we receive a high number of applications we reserve the right to close this vacancy at any point after 3rd July 2026.
Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, we are proud to provide high quality innovative services across most of the east of England that enable people to receive care closer to home and live healthier lives.
There’s one reason why our services are outstanding – and that’s our amazing staff who, for the seventh year running, rated us incredibly highly in the national staff survey.
If you share our passion for innovative and high-quality care delivery, then please submit your application and join us on our exciting journey as a leading-edge specialist community provider. All are welcome to apply and our promise to you is a culture which prioritises staff engagement and development.
The apprentice Dental Nurse will support and assist in the full range of dental care provided to patients of the Dental Service. Receive and prepare patients, ensuring a sensitive approach in the provision of patient care. Assist the clinician when offering information to individuals on the protection of their oral health and support them in doing so. Liaise and communicate with patients, carers, healthcare professionals. Making of appointments and taking telephone calls.
Prepare the surgery for use at the beginning of the session and close down at the end of the session consistent with policies.
Assist the dental operator in organising the day’s activities’ and support the dentist at the chairside during dental procedures, aspirating, irrigating, retracting and protecting the soft tissues.
Assist the dental operator in the provision of dental treatment and to supervise the patient until they are fit to leave the department Monitor day lists and appointment diary and update as necessary
Demonstrate oral hygiene techniques to the patient (under the direct supervision of the clinician) Record accurately as directed by the clinician, the conditions of the oral cavity and the necessary treatment on the appropriate chart and laboratory form’s.
Accurate preparation and maintenance of patient records, manually and electronically. Consent forms, treatment requirements and medical histories. Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills are required as patients may present with complex/special needs that could include language barriers.
Preparation of all necessary materials and equipment. Following the manufactures instructions.
Undertake safely and effectively decontamination, disinfection and sterilisation of instruments, equipment and the surgery ready for use. Preventing cross infection or damage to instruments and equipment.
It is essential to maintain the highest standards of personal hygiene and cross infection. Personal Protective Equipment is supplied for patient and staff safety and must be worn where indicated.
Undertake day-to-day cleaning, restocking and maintenance of equipment and materials, hand pieces ensuring that they are in good working order, reporting any items that require repair to the appropriate person.
To obtain a working knowledge of patient observations including blood pressure, pulse and breathing patter. To gain knowledge to explain the different orthodontic appliances including the function and care required for each.
To carry out daily checks of emergency equipment and completing the record sheet where indicated.
Process and mount x-rays films.
Familiarise yourself with all of the basic equipment used within your working day and carry out the necessary tests required to meet national standards.
Participate in all arranged meetings, and training that has been scheduled.
