Trainee Dental Nurse at University of Bristol

As a trainee nurse you will be trained to work across a wide range of clinical environments and receive classroom teaching with practical assessment-based learning, supported by designated dental nurse tutors and qualified dental nurses. 

Whist on clinical placement in the dental school, you will be guided by the lead dental nurses and will be involved in helping with the day to day running of clinical operations assisting dental students at the chairside. You will be pivotal in helping with the provision of safe, high quality, direct clinical care to patients in our community, working closely as part of the clinical team in this 119-chair dental facility. 

We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated, interested applicants who would like an opportunity to be part of our dental team at the University of Bristol’s Dental School 

What will you be doing? 

• Assisting dental staff and students in the full range of dental treatments and procedures, whilst being supported by the qualified dental nurses and clinical tutor.  
• As directed by the dentist and other members of the dental team you will inform patients about dental treatment and appointments. You will have an awareness and understanding of language and cultural issues and learn to deal with these in a sensitive manner.  
• Attend weekly classroom-based teaching and engage fully with portfolio-based clinically observed practice which will lead towards dental nurse qualification. 
• Learn and apply knowledge to clinical practice, such as the preparation of dental materials, instruments and equipment needed for clinics and patient appointments, and cleaning away equipment after use in a safe and competent way. 
• Learn and apply understanding to increasing practice of – infection control procedures such as cleaning clinical areas, wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE), disposal of hazardous waste. 
• Comply with procedures such as those related to stock/equipment – for example shelf-life indicators, and sterilisation and decontamination. 
• Observe and assist qualified nurses with qualified-level procedures such as supporting patients receiving Relative Analgesia, Intravenous Sedation and providing pre- and post-operative care. 

You should apply if 

• You are an enthusiastic individual who is highly motivated, organised and willing to learn how to support and deliver a full range of dental nursing duties across a wide range of clinical departments. 
• Experience of working in a similar environment (healthcare, hospital, or dental surgery) or equivalent practical skills/work experience learned in an alternative environment. 
• Positive attitude with excellent communication skills. 
• Ability to work effectively and proactively within the dental team. 
• Prior experience of completing study at Level 3 (A-Level or equivalent), or equivalent work-based training/learning. 
• Starting Salary – Grade E £24,248 (£13.32 per hour) based on 35 hour week. 

Please note – This is a full time (35 hours p/w), fixed-term, trainee post for 18 months (course duration). During the training period you will operate as a Grade E Trainee Dental Nurse. Upon completion of the programme, you will be registered with the General Dental Council as a Dental Nurse. Once you are in receipt of your registration, you will be able to apply to any vacant Qualified Dental Nursing roles (Grade F).