This occupation is found in a clinical environment that could be located in a NHS general dental practice, hospital, private dental practice, specialist dental practice, community dental service or military dental clinic. The clinical environment is called a dental surgery and consists of a dental chair, an x-ray unit and various equipment and instruments required for dentistry. A dental nurse will predominately work with a dentist, dental hygienist, dental therapist, clinical dental technician or orthodontic therapist within a surgery environment with patients attending throughout the day.
The broad purpose of the occupation is to provide chairside support to all dental professionals and ensure high standards of cleanliness and infection control. Dental nurses prepare instruments, materials, and medicaments for dental procedures, mix materials, sterilise instruments, keep records, note dictation, carry out stock control, and ensure patient comfort and safety throughout their visit.
In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with patients of all ages, other members of the dental team, other health professionals and representatives of organisations providing support services to the setting. Depending on the dental setting the dental nurse could also interact with schools, the prison service, community dental service, individuals in their own homes and those in care home settings.
An employee in this occupation will be responsible for providing care for
people of all ages, different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs within a variety
of clinical environments. Dental nurses must ensure that they only carry out a
task, treatment or make decisions about a patient’s care if they are
appropriately trained, competent, indemnified and have the necessary skills.
Dental nurses are registered professionals and work within the standards and
scope of practice as defined by the General Dental Council (GDC) Scope of
Practice document.
.
An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.
As an apprentice you will:
There are different rates of pay for apprentices depending on your age and what year of your apprenticeship you’re in.
Your employment contract should confirm your rate of pay.
Please visit https://www.gov.uk/become-apprentice/pay-and-conditions for the latest minimum apprenticeship wages.
The apprentice will attend college classes for a full day taking place every week and will also receive one-to-one support in the workplace with a dedicated Learning and Skills Coach
The apprentice
will complete an End Point Assessment with the awarding body City and Guilds and
will cover the following area:
• Scrutiny of
claimed qualification
The apprentice
will also complete the City and Guilds L3 Dental Nursling Practitioner 5238-33
of which they will be assessed throughout, methods include:
• Written
assessment
• Written Q&A/Oral Q&A
• Observation of
practice
• Expert witness testimony
• Reflective
account
• Professional discussion
• Case
studies
• Simulation
• Online tests
Relevant qualifications and/or initial assessment testing on maths and English will take place prior to commencement. Specific entry requirements may be applicable based on employer requirements.
Positive Futures is a set of essential qualities, embedded throughout your study programme, that we seek to develop in all students:
You will also engage in the Positive Futures Careers Programme, developing key employability skills through a diverse range of activities including work placements, volunteering, employer talks, industry study visits and employment and university fairs.
As a Bury College student you will have access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities which will contribute to your personal growth and development and support your academic studies.
These may include:
Please Note: We attempt to ensure that all information contained within this website is correct and up-to-date. However, some details may change as we review and update our provision. Although every effort is made to provide the teaching, examination, assessment and other services detailed on this website and in our other publications, Bury College cannot guarantee the provision of such programmes, services, facilities and fees. Bury College reserves the right to amend, withdraw, alter or amalgamate any of the courses, locations and facilities detailed within at any time. Should circumstances require such amendments, Bury College undertakes to use all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to those services and most importantly to students.
_470x310.png)
Our art students have brought a splash of colour and creativity to Bury Hospice with a striking new mural celebrating the spirit of the local community. Painted by students from the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, the mural features vibrant hydrangeas and iconic Manchester Bees, symbolising unity, resilience, and the six towns of Bury. Find out more here.
_470x310.png)
Bury College had the honour of welcoming several distinguished guests from the Government and Department for Education on 20th March 2025. Read more to find out what happened on the day.
_470x310.png)
We recently lifted the lid on working in social care with an event for our Health and Social Care students. Students heard from employers in the industry about the different opportunities available and the skills that people in the industry are looking for.
On Thursday, 20th March 2025, Bury College played host to the Hair and Beauty category of the GM Skills Competition. Read more about it here.
Find out about Bury College's recent campus development, and how the college is striving to be more environmentally friendly.
_470x310.png)
Find out how Temi has grabbed her T Level placement opportunity with the NHS with both hands. Plus how her placement has opened her eyes to all the Allied Health Professionals roles available in the healthcare sector.