Start Date
- September 2024, Apprenticeship
Summary
The Dental Nurse role complements the role of other dental professionals. One of the primary roles is to provide chairside support to dental professionals and deliver a high level of patient care. An apprentice will typically work with a dentist, dental hygienist, dental therapist, clinical dental technician, or orthodontic therapist within a surgery environment with patients attending throughout the day.
Dental Nurses may work in a variety of clinical environments and the apprenticeship reflects all aspects of clinical responsibilities and duties. The apprenticeship will also provide the apprentice with the relevant qualification to apply to the General Dental Council (GDC) for professional registration as a dental nurse.
Apprentices will learn a range of occupational duties, including:
- Working to best practice.
- Using appropriate forms of communication to provide patient- centred care.
- Preparing, mixing and handling materials and equipment, as well as maintaining the clinical environment.
- Maintaining accurate patient records.
- Giving advice to patients and dealing with emergencies
You will complete the Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Standard.
- This apprenticeship will involve college attendance and off the job training.
- You will also develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours.
- You need to have an employer to support your Apprenticeship and be employed in a relevant job role.
- The typical length of this apprenticeship course is 27 months.
- This course typically has two entry points in the year.
If you already have an employer for your apprenticeship, or if you are an employer who is either looking to recruit, or already has someone you would like to enrol onto the course, please contact our Apprenticeships Team on 01603 773365 or email Apprenticeshipa@ccn.ac.uk
Why Our College?
Experience the Working World
Through the college’s links to the industry, all health and social care students complete regular relevant industry work placements.
Entry Requirements
- GCSE Grade 4/C in Maths and English (Language or Literature) or Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths and English
In order to enrol onto an apprenticeship, you need to be employed in a relevant job role and undertake a range of tasks which would enable you to complete the apprenticeship qualification.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, learners will be awarded with a Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship Standard, which includes the following:
- Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing (an entry requirement for the EPA)
- Eligibility for professional registration with the General Dental Council (GDC)
Assessment
Training and assessments are delivered in the workplace and in college. Apprentices will be required to attend college-based sessions as part of their training, whilst also completing off-the-job training in the workplace. You will also complete assessments and observations in the workplace.
At the end of the apprenticeship you will complete an End Point Assessment (EPA) which will comprise of:
- A portfolio of evidence required for the Level 3 Diploma to be completed ahead of the EPA
- Apprentices must achieve a GDC approved Licence to Practice qualification in Dental Nursing, ahead of the End Point Assessment
- A workplace observation lasting 1 hour, followed by a Question & Answer session
- A scenario- based case study assessment with an independent assessor
Progression
At the end of the apprenticeship, apprentices can consider progression onto a Higher Apprenticeship or a higher level of study, or employment as part of their development within the sector.
Career Progression
On completion of this apprenticeship the apprentice can register with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a qualified Dental Nurse. Completion of this course will also provide the employer or sector with a skilled staff member, who can enrol onto postgraduate qualifications such as Dental Radiography, Oral Health Educator, Fluoride Application, Decontamination Lead, and Treatment Co-ordinator. Apprentices will also complete the course with the skills to further develop a specialism, such as Oral Hygienist, Oral Therapist or Practice Manager.
Fees
Apprenticeship course fees are subject to the age of the apprentice, and the size of the company.
For employers with less than 50 employees who do not pay the apprenticeship levy and who take on an apprentice who is aged between 16-21 at the start of their apprenticeship, there will be no direct cost and the full training costs will be covered by Government funding. If the apprentice is aged 22+ the government partially subsides the training costs and the employer will need to pay 5% of the costs. In the case of this course, the fee would be £300
For an employer with more than 50 employees a 5% charge will be implemented regardless of the age of the apprentice which in this case would be £300.
A levy paying company will pay the full cost of the apprenticeship from their levy account which in this case would be £6000.
Please note that course fees are to be paid by the employer and apprentices must not be asked to make a financial contribution toward their training.
To discuss apprenticeship course fees in more detail or for more information on recruiting an apprentice, please contact 01603 773365 or Apprenticeships@ccn.ac.uk
Where Next?
Why Our College?
Experience the Working World
Through the college’s links to the industry, all health and social care students complete regular relevant industry work placements.
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