Apprentice Dental Nurse Review
at Highgate Dental Practice LLP
Level 3 Apprenticeship
Healthcare
Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
-
Overview of Role
5/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
A dental nurse has a structured but varied day, supporting both patients and the dental team. Their duties are guided by standards from the General Dental Council and infection control guidance like HTM 01-05.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Work closely with the dentist, passing instruments, using suction, and keeping the patient comfortable.
Follow strict cross-infection procedures (PPE, sterilisation, waste disposal).
Calm nervous patients, explain procedures briefly, and support communication.
Update patient notes accurately during or after treatment.
Mix dental materials (e.g. fillings, impressions) when needed.
Dispose of clinical waste safely and sterilise instruments
* Booking appointments and managing patient records
* Handling phone calls and queries
* Processing payments
* Providing oral health education (brushing, diet advice)
* Supporting specialist treatments (orthodontics, implants)
Follow strict cross-infection procedures (PPE, sterilisation, waste disposal).
Calm nervous patients, explain procedures briefly, and support communication.
Update patient notes accurately during or after treatment.
Mix dental materials (e.g. fillings, impressions) when needed.
Dispose of clinical waste safely and sterilise instruments
* Booking appointments and managing patient records
* Handling phone calls and queries
* Processing payments
* Providing oral health education (brushing, diet advice)
* Supporting specialist treatments (orthodontics, implants)
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
very structured, I never missed an online lesson. was provided with work and a path to follow for my course work and was offered support through my aspiration training course. I was also given reminders for any calls I received and was given one to one sessions with my coach.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
My employer was incredibly supportive, any issues or concerns I had throughout my training was rectified. I was throughly supported by not only my employer but every colleague within the practice.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
I was given clear targets and I understood how to reach them. coursework was clear and consistent. I was able to complete my apprenticeship within a year and then take my exam in the following month.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
To be a qualified dental nurse registered with the GDC you must have a qualification. This is to ensure we have the necessary skill set and understanding to perform our day to day jobs
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
We have outside events for socialising in the summer time and at christmas
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Highgate Dental Practice LLP to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would wholeheartedly recommend Highgate Dental Practice to anyone considering an apprenticeship. From the very beginning of my journey, I felt genuinely supported, valued, and encouraged every step of the way.
My managers along with every member of the team created such a positive environment. They didn’t just teach me the skills I needed to become a dental nurse; they believed in me, guided me through challenges, and always took the time to help me grow in confidence and ability.
Training can be demanding at times, but having a team like this behind you makes all the difference. Their patience, encouragement, and willingness to share their knowledge helped me succeed and enjoy the process at the same time. I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done for me, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone starting their career in dental nursing.
My managers along with every member of the team created such a positive environment. They didn’t just teach me the skills I needed to become a dental nurse; they believed in me, guided me through challenges, and always took the time to help me grow in confidence and ability.
Training can be demanding at times, but having a team like this behind you makes all the difference. Their patience, encouragement, and willingness to share their knowledge helped me succeed and enjoy the process at the same time. I’m truly grateful for everything they’ve done for me, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone starting their career in dental nursing.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Highgate Dental Practice LLP?
My biggest advice is to go in with the right attitude. You don’t need to know everything from the start. What really matters is being willing to learn, listen, and take on feedback.
Show genuine interest in becoming a dental nurse. Even basic knowledge about the role or the practice helps, but being enthusiastic and eager to develop will stand out the most.
Be prepared to work as part of a team. It’s a very supportive environment, but it also means everyone helps each other out, so being reliable, positive, and approachable goes a long way.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. During my training, asking questions was one of the best ways I learned, and the team are always happy to help.
Also stay organised and professional. Things can get busy in a dental practice, so being punctual, well-presented makes a great impression.
Most importantly, be yourself. Highgate Dental Practice is full of supportive people who want to see you succeed; showing your genuine personality and willingness to grow will really help you stand out.
Show genuine interest in becoming a dental nurse. Even basic knowledge about the role or the practice helps, but being enthusiastic and eager to develop will stand out the most.
Be prepared to work as part of a team. It’s a very supportive environment, but it also means everyone helps each other out, so being reliable, positive, and approachable goes a long way.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. During my training, asking questions was one of the best ways I learned, and the team are always happy to help.
Also stay organised and professional. Things can get busy in a dental practice, so being punctual, well-presented makes a great impression.
Most importantly, be yourself. Highgate Dental Practice is full of supportive people who want to see you succeed; showing your genuine personality and willingness to grow will really help you stand out.
