Apprentice Dental Nurse
Great Horkesley Dental Studio · Colchester · posted 12 May 2026
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Your main duties will be assisting the dentist with preparing instruments and equipment, mixing different materials as required and providing suction support.
You will undertake your practical duties such as:
- Cross-infection control and decontamination
- Chairside clinical treatments supporting the dentist
- Processing of X-rays
- Accurate record keeping in line with the GDPR
Possible rotation in the practice may also involve working in central decontamination and reception duties.
Your training
- Working towards the Level 3 Dental Nurse (GDC 2023) Apprenticeship Standard
- Fortnightly college sessions at Colchester Institute (Colchester Campus)
- During the course all students are observed regularly in the workplace undertaking clinical duties and ensuring they are following safe working practice
Where it leads
- Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship you will gain a Licence to Practice Qualification that will allow you to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) and you can move into registered/qualified positions. Once qualified and GDC-registered, dental nurses can work in NHS or private practices, community dental services, hospitals or the armed forces
- There are also opportunities to progress into dental radiography, oral health education, orthodontic nursing, sedation nursing, dental practice management, and dental hygiene or therapy (with additional training)
About Great Horkesley Dental Studio
The surgery was established at its present location in March 2006 with its current owner, Dr. Agnieszka Marcinkowska-Lagosz DDS taking over the practice in November 2018. Since then the surgery has seen a lot of changes and investment including a complete overhaul of two of the three surgeries. The investment and improvements made to the practice have one aim and that is to enhance our patients’ experience at the practice.
We have the pleasure in treating both NHS and Private Patients as well as offering the UK’s leading dental payment plan, Denplan from Simplyhealth. We understand that a visit to the dentist can be a daunting prospect for some people and that is why we want to make your visit with us as enjoyable or, at the very least, as stress free an experience as possible. Our entire team is here to assist you in reaching your objectives; whether that be to treat any problems with your oral health, or to completely transform your smile.
We are conveniently located in the picturesque village of Great Horkesley just outside Colchester. We have limited on-site parking, which, for blue badge holders, can be reserved prior to appointments. We also have plenty of nearby parking on the road available. The practice has a ground floor surgery for patients with restricted mobility, we also have a stair lift to enable patients’ access to the first floor surgeries and facilities.
Our mission is to provide our patients with the smile they deserve, as we truly believe in the power of a great smile which also spurs a powerful chemical reaction in the brain that can make you feel happier. Research has proven that the mere act of smiling can lift your mood, lower stress, boost your immune system and possibly even prolong your life.
Things to consider
- Course commences in October but commencement of work could be earlier if the candidate is available - this can be negotiated individually depending on personal circumstances and commitments.
- The successful applicant will be required to undertake a DBS check and complete a course Hepatitis B vaccinations.
Skills they're looking for
Entry requirements
- GCSE 5 GCSEs including maths and English (grade 9-4/A*-C) — essential
- GCSE science is also preferred for career progression (grade 9-4/A*-C) — desired
Where you'll work
- 1 KEELERS WAY, GREAT HORKESLEY, COLCHESTER, CO6 4EE
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