Level 3 Dental Nurse End-Point Assessment Course. Work-based training at your workplace. You train on the job as a dental nurse apprentice, working alongside a dentist in a clinical setting such as an NHS practice, private practice, hospital, or community dental service. The course typically takes 18 months. You'll need Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths, or an equivalent, before you sit the end-point assessment. Completing this dental nurse end-point assessment qualification confirms you're occupationally competent as a dental nurse.
Who this course is for
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.
Entry requirements
Be aged 16+ at the time of enrolment
Be a UK or European Economic Area (EEA), or have lived in the UK or EEA for the past three consecutive years already in full-time education at the point of enrolment
Not already hold a qualification at the same level or above in the same area that you wish to study
Apprentices without level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths or an equivalent certificate.
What you will learn
You'll assist the dentist chairside during a range of dental procedures.
You'll prepare and maintain the dental surgery, equipment, and instruments.
You'll support patients before, during, and after treatment.
You'll handle, process, and store dental records and patient information correctly.
You'll apply infection prevention and decontamination procedures in the surgery.
You'll take and process dental radiographs under the direction of the dentist.
You'll manage dental materials, stock, and clinical waste safely.
How you will learn
This is a work-based apprenticeship. You learn by doing the job in a real dental surgery, supported by your employer. Assessment at the end of the programme includes a knowledge test, a practical observation in the workplace, and a professional discussion. You must hold Level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths, or an equivalent, before you can take the end-point assessment.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Elvante will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Dental nurse: chairside support in NHS or private practice
Dental receptionist: patient-facing admin in a dental setting
Orthodontic nurse: specialist support in orthodontic clinics
Community dental nurse: outreach and community dental services
Hospital dental nurse: working within a hospital dental unit
Military dental nurse: dental support in armed forces clinics
What you could study next
Level 4 Dental Sedation Nursing Certificate: if you want to support patients under conscious sedation.
Level 5 Diploma in Dental Therapy and Hygiene: a route into a broader clinical role carrying out treatments directly.
Level 3 Award in Dental Radiography: formalises your radiography skills and supports GDC registration requirements.
GDC registration: completing this qualification is a step toward applying for registration with the General Dental Council as a qualified dental nurse.
