Skill Details

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Skill Details

Skill Name

Skill Category

Is Accredited

NoYes

Is Apprenticeship

NoYes

Skill Overview

"This occupation is found in healthcare under the profession of dentistry. Dental nurses work 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, x-ray unit and various equipment and instruments required for dentistry. An apprentice 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 chair side 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 Scope of Practice document."

Learning Objectives

Duties of the job role covered as part of the Apprenticeship:
Duty 1 Work to current best practice for dental nurses																																
Duty 2 Use appropriate communication maintaining professionalism at all times and through all media to provide patient-centred care																																
Duty 3 Prepare and maintain the clinical environment																																
Duty 4 Carry out infection control procedures																																
Duty 5 Prepare, mix and handle materials																																
Duty 6 Keep accurate and current patient records																																
Duty 7 Prepare equipment and materials for dental radiographs																																
Duty 8 Give appropriate oral and general health advice to patients																																
Duty 9 Recognise and deal with medical emergencies																																
Duty 10 Take responsibility for your own professional development in line with General Dental Council requirements																																
Duty 11 Contribute to the quality improvement of the service

Funding Option

Funding Eligibility

For apprentices aged 16-21 the training costs are fully funded by the government. For apprentices aged over 21, there is a 5% co-investment which would be paid by the employer. Alternatively, the training costs can be covered by utilising the Apprenticeship Levy Fund.

Skill Length

Skill Level

Skill Timings

Delivery Method

Skill Eligibility (Prerequisites for skill/software requirements)

Applicant must be eligible for ESFA funding and in a job role where the duties in learning objectives can be undertaken as part of normal day to day activities

Last Application Date

Skill Enrolment

Skill Status

Skill Enquiry Details

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