Skip to main content

Dental nurse apprenticeships

Healthcare

Dental nurse apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role


    • College

    You could do a course at college that would give you skills and knowledge for this role. Courses include: 

    • Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing
    • T Level for Dental Nursing 
    Courses will combine full-time study with work experience in a dental surgery. You'll usually need 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a Level 3 course or T Level. 

    Apprenticeship
    You can take a Level 3 apprenticeship in dental nursing. You'll need to be working in a dental surgery to do an apprenticeship. You'll usually need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths. 

    Work
    A common route is to start with a dental practice as a trainee and study for a dental nursing qualification on the job. You'll need to register with the General Dental Council.

    Dental nurse apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • the ability to work well with others 
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • sensitivity and understanding 
    • knowledge of medicine and dentistry 
    • customer service skills 
    • excellent verbal communication skills 
    • the ability to work well with your hands 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to pass enhanced background checks

    Dental nurse apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In this role you could: 

    • pass instruments to the dentist or hygienist 
    • remove water and saliva from the patient's mouth during treatment 
    • prepare materials to make fillings 
    • make sure that the patient is relaxed and comfortable at all times 
    • keep the surgery tidy and sterile 
    • sterilise instruments 
    • record information about each patient
    Working environment
    You could work at a dental practice, at a health centre or in an NHS or private hospital. You may need to wear protective clothing and a uniform.

    Career path and progression - Dental nurse apprenticeships

    With experience you may be able to move into jobs like team manager, team leader or dental practice manager. You could serve in the armed forces as a dental nurse. With further training you could become a dental therapist, helping a dentist carry out the more routine dentistry work. You could also become a dental hygienist, helping people to look after their teeth and gums. You might decide to train as an orthodontic therapist helping dentists to improve the look and position of a patient's teeth. 

    Similar occupations







    You might be interested in these opportunities.

    Apprentice Chef de Partie

    • Health & Social Care
    • 287.50 p/w
    • Advanced Level 3
    • Cambridgeshire

    Cambridgeshire
    Apprentice Chef de Partie

    The Black Lion are looking for a motivated and passionate individual to join their team as an Apprentice Chef de Partie. If you are looking to take the next step within your Hospitality career into a more senior position, then this is the opportunity for you!

    More Info & Apply
    Kitchen Team Leader Apprenticeship

    • Health & Social Care
    • 258.00 p/w
    • Advanced Level 3
    • Greater Manchester

    Lancashire
    Kitchen Team Leader Apprenticeship

    Greene King are looking for a motivated and passionate individual to join their team as a Kitchen Team Leader Apprentice. If you are looking to take the next step within your Hospitality career into a more senior position then this is the opportunity for you!

    More Info & Apply
    Get yourself in the Dental Nursing Apprentice talent pool for September 2025!

    • Dental
    • 240.00 p/w
    • Advanced Level 3
    • Exeter

    Devon
    Get yourself in the Dental Nursing Apprentice talent pool for September 2025!

    *THIS IS NOT A JOB VACACNY OR YOUR APPLICATION TO EXETER COLLEGE APPRENTICESHIPS*By applying here and attaching your CVcover letter you are registering your interest in the Dental Nursing Apprenticeship with Exeter College. From this you are put in a talent pool, sent marketing materials and your CV can be passed onto employers looking for apprentices. Please ensure that you have attached a CV to your application or you will not be considered for any position. Your CV should include why you are interested in becoming a Dental Nurse.

    More Info & Apply

    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

    Cyber Essentials
    © 2021 GetMyFirstJob Ltd.

    Your first steps into the world of work for Apprenticeships, Degree Apprenticeships, Work Experience & Graduate Jobs