Not Eligible for Apprenticeship Funding?

Start Your Journey to Becoming a Qualified Dental Nurse

The Self-Funded National Diploma in Dental Nursing is an alternative route to qualifying as a dental nurse. Unlike an apprenticeship, this programme is not government funded, and learners enrol privately while working within a dental practice.

To begin the course, you must be employed or have secured a placement in a dental practice, as the qualification requires you to gain practical experience alongside your studies.

By joining Tempdent’s Self-Funded National Diploma Talent Pool, you’ll register your interest in starting the course and allow our team to support you in finding a suitable dental practice placement where possible.

What You’ll Learn

As a trainee dental nurse, you’ll develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to support a dental team and provide excellent patient care, including:

• Assisting dentists and hygienists during dental treatments
• Preparing and maintaining dental equipment and instruments
• Maintaining high standards of infection control and clinical safety
• Supporting patient care and managing patient records
• Learning about oral health, dental anatomy, and dental materials

Why Join Our Talent Pool?

By joining our Talent Pool, you will:

• Be considered for potential dental practice placements in your local area
• Receive guidance from Tempdent’s recruitment team on finding a suitable role
• Get support preparing for opportunities with dental employers
• Take the first step towards enrolling on the National Diploma in Dental Nursing

Please note: You must secure employment in a dental practice before starting the course. Joining the Talent Pool does not guarantee a placement, but Tempdent may be able to support you in finding a suitable practice where opportunities are available.

Who We’re Looking For

• Individuals with a genuine interest in dental care and patient wellbeing
• Friendly, reliable, and professional candidates
• Motivated people who are eager to learn and build a career in dental nursing

Shift Pattern

We work with a wide range of dental employers across the country, each offering different working patterns and shift options — from full-time to part-time roles, and weekday or weekend availability.

Our employers offer a variety of pay rates, ranging from he National Minimum Wage for your age group, and in some cases, even above this depending on the employer and location.

Am I eligible for the Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are 16 or older.
• Live in England and have the right to work in the UK.
• Are not currently in full-time education.
• Meet residency requirements (usually having lived in the UK or EEA for the past 3 years).
• Do not already hold a qualification at the same level or higher in a related subject.