Job Description

Are you seeking a career in dentistry?



We have a new opportunity for an apprentice Dental Nurse to join our Community Dental Service in Oxfordshire. The role will involve providing chairside support and a high level of oral health care to patients. We would love you to join us as an apprentice dental nurse and start your exciting career in dental nursing.



During the Dental Nurse Apprenticeship, you will receive ongoing support, development and training to equip you with the skills and knowledge required to qualify and have a successful career in dental nursing.

Entry requirements:

GCSEs at grades C/4 or above (or equivalent) in Maths and English are essential.

Assisting the dentist in providing safe and effective treatments to patients, providing patients with a high level of care



Setting up and cleaning surgery including sterilising instruments



Updating patient records



Preparing instruments and materials for various treatments



During your working day, we will support you with learning the practical skills required, whilst your training provider ( Buckinghamshire College Group ) will teach you the theory side. It is an 18 month programme and it will be delivered at Buckinghamshire College Group, Aylesbury campus, Bucks, HP21 8PD every other Thursday 08:30 - 16:30.



Off the job training will be given throughout your apprenticeship during paid working hours.



Oxford Health is a great place to work and to be able to showcase the best of yourself when making an application please read the "candidate guide to making an application" and ensure your supporting statement is tailored to the role you are applying for and addresses any essential criteria.



As a Trust we provide physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and Northeast Somerset. Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people's homes, delivering care as close to home as possible. Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive: "Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team"

Our values are:

"Caring, safe and excellent"



We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:



Excellent opportunities for career progression Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers Competitive pension scheme Lease car scheme Cycle to work scheme Employee Assistance Programme Mental Health First Aiders Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists apply) Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team

The apprenticeship provides employment and training within our Community Dental service to study the Level 3 dental nurse apprenticeship. The apprenticeship is designed to teach the knowledge, skills and behaviours necessary to ensure competency in all aspects of clinical duties including: -



Preparing for Professional Practice in Dental Nursing

Infection Prevention and Control

First Aid and Medical Emergencies

Oral and General Health

Endodontic Treatments

Prosthetic Treatments

Radiation and Radiography

Periodontal Disease and Cavity Restoration

Health and Safety

Extractions and Minor Oral Surgery

Management of Oral Health Diseases and Dental Anatomy, Oral Health Assessments and Treatment Planning



Upon successful completion you will awarded the relevant qualification to apply for professional registration as a dental nurse to the General Dental Council (GDC).

Things to consider:

A passion and desire to work within the dental sector is essential and to not be put off at the sight of blood. If you using public transport to get to the practice, please ensure you have researched the route and that a regular service is available. It is also a requirement to have a course of Hepatitis B vaccines and a clear enhanced DBS.



We hope that the advert has given you a clear understanding of the skills we are seeking and the opportunity at hand. You will need to use the "supporting statement" element of your application form to demonstrate your suitability for this role and you should refer to the job description, person specification and the guidance notes attached to this role to help you tailor your application.

The essential and desirable criteria will be used to shortlist for interview and you should ensure that you refer to these within your application to increase your chances of being selected for interview.



We are aware that some candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their application. We kindly remind applicants that submissions should remain an honest and accurate representation of their experience and must take care to ensure the use of AI tools does not generate an application that does not accurately reflect their knowledge, skills and values.