Dental Nursing Advanced Apprenticeship

Course information

From a general check-up to root canal work, as a dental nurse you will be required to have a reassuring and caring nature as it will be your job to look after the patients. You will also need great communication and organisational skills as you will be responsible for looking after the equipment and maintaining high levels of cleanliness. Successful completion of the course will enable you to become a qualified dental nurse and register with the General Dental Council.

New apprenticeship standards are being introduced to focus skills training more on specific career roles within industry. These government changes mean the apprenticeship skills development programme is written with employers ensuring you are much more work ready for a specific role by the time you complete your training.

You will be required to attend college on 1 day per week. An essential element of the programme is that you must achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (City and Guilds), which consists of a portfolio of evidence and observations of you working in the dental practice by an assessor, plus four exams.

You can expect your employer to give you all the hands-on practical experience you need to become a fully qualified dental nurse. You will need great communication and organisational skills, plus a caring manner to succeed in this industry.

What You Will Learn

This course focuses on direct chairside work and the delivery of a high level of patient care during a range of dental treatments.

This apprenticeship will provide you with all aspects of clinical responsibilities and duties of a dental nurse’s role and will give you the relevant qualification to apply to the General Dental Council for professional registration as a dental nurse.

You will study at college one day a week where you will cover the following units:

Prepare and maintain environment, instruments and equipment for clinical dental procedures
Offer information and support to individuals on the protection of their oral health
Provide chairside support during the assessment of patients’ oral health
Contribute to the production of dental images
Provide chairside support during the prevention and control of periodontal disease and the restoration of cavities
Provide chairside support during the provision of fixed and removable prostheses
Provide chairside support during non-surgical endodontic treatment
Provide chairside support during the extraction of teeth and minor oral surgery
Principles of infection control in the dental environment
Assessment of oral health and treatment planning
Dental radiography
Scientific principles in the management of oral health diseases
Emergency first aid skills
Ensure your own actions reduce risks to health and safety

Entry Requirements

You need to be working in a dental practice and have GCSEs at grade 4 in both maths and English.

If you are not currently employed, we may be able to help you find an employer to start the apprenticeship. Please contact our apprenticeship recruitment team for advice on 0330 123 4785 or e-mail apprenticeships@cornwall.ac.uk

All applicants will receive an initial assessment and a personal interview to check suitable for the apprenticeship.

Assessment

On successful completion of this qualification you will be entered for the End Point Assessment (EPA), carried out by an independent third party which consists of two synoptic assessments: an observation which will test skills, knowledge, and behaviours, and a professional discussion with an independent third party assessor. Achievement of the EPA will be graded as a pass or a distinction.

Progression

Successful completion of this course will enable you to become a qualified dental nurse and register with the General Dental Council.

Completion of this apprenticeship will allow you to progress on to further studies at other universities such as: BSc Dental Therapy & Hygiene or BSc (Hons) Dental Therapy.

Careers in the industry

Dental nurse
Dental receptionist
Dental decontamination assistant
Dental practice assistant
You can also work towards roles such as:

Dental practice manager
Professional Hygienist
Orthodontic Therapist

Cornwall College Camborne

Cornwall College Camborne

Our Camborne campus has served as a vocational training hub for nearly a century. The iconic Tamar tower and the ‘big top’ that covers our construction and engineering provision, are landmarks known throughout the area. This legacy, combined with an exciting modernisation programme, has made Cornwall College Camborne the home of cutting edge facilities, dynamic learning experiences and fantastic student spaces. Open and modern learning areas, electric vehicle training labs, esports gaming facilities, chill out areas, an award-winning restaurant and plenty more besides, makes this the perfect place to have your #careercollege experience.

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Cornwall College St Austell

Cornwall College St Austell

Set at the top of St Austell, with incredible views over the bay, our campus boasts ground-breaking facilities and exceptional student spaces. The Keay Theatre area plays host to our famous Altitude Dance Academy and performing arts, while our award-winning student restaurant Cloisters is recognised as one of the best in the country. Brand new electric vehicle training labs set within our modern construction and engineering buildings showcase just some of the incredible opportunities for people in St Austell and beyond.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

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• 8 May 25