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The Dental Nurse role complements the role of other dental professionals. One of the primary roles is to provide chair side support to dental professionals and deliver a high level of patient care.

Dental Nurses may work in a variety of clinical environments and the apprenticeship reflects all aspects of clinical responsibilities and duties of a dental nurse’s role and will provide the apprentice with the relevant qualification to apply to the General Dental Council (GDC) for professional registration as a dental nurse.

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  • Entry requirements
  • Level

    Level 3

  • Delivery/Study method

    A minimum of 30 hours on the job training at the work place per week including a day/block release to study theory at our Uxbridge/Hayes/Richmond or Harrow campus.

    Forms of study include:

    • Core knowledge modules learning fundamental knowledge, through a combination of online learning and practical classroom workshops
    • Level 2 English and maths.

  • What will I learn?

    Sample Modules and content include:

    • Dental and Regional Anatomy
    • Transmission of Infectious Diseases and their Prevention
    • Legislative Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
    • The Dental Team and General Dental Council (GDC) Guidelines
    • Communication
    • Self-Management. 

  • Duration and assessment

    The duration of the apprenticeship is typically 24 months (minimum 18 months).

    During the apprenticeship programme, an apprentice will require to spend minimum 30 hours of on-the-job training that includes:

    Assessment includes:

    • A work-based portfolio to demonstrate the skills you have learnt at work related projects
    • An end-point assessment. Apprentices without English or maths at Level 2 must achieve this prior to taking the end-point assessment.

  • Where next? Career/study opportunities

    On completion of this apprenticeship the apprentice can register with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a qualified Dental Nurse. Experienced dental nurses may train to become Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist.

    The Level 3 Dental Nursing qualification has been awarded 24 UCAS points, this coupled with relevant work experience and other qualifications will contribute to further progression opportunities in related fields/Higher Education.