Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing (Advanced)

Summary: This course offers the skills needed for employment and career progression within the dental health care sector.








Course description: The Dental Nurse Apprentice will study one day a week at City College Norwich where the core theoretical, underpinning knowledge elements of the Dental Diploma will be taught as well as any required functional skills - portfolio building will also form part of this day. The remainder of the Apprentices’ working week will be at the dental surgery at which they are employed where they will be regularly visited by their assessor to have their application of learning and working competencies assessed.
This course is aimed at individuals who want to work as a dental nurse. The role of a dental nurse is regulated by the General Dental Council. An individual may be able to register with the GDC upon satisfactory completion of a registerable qualification, which includes the Diploma in Dental Nursing (QCF) which is included in this programme.
The role of a dental nurse is to provide ‘chair-side support’ for the dental team including dentists, dental therapists, hygienists and technicians. Dental nurses can be employed in general practice, hospitals or the community dental services and can also train as a dental nurse in the armed forces.
Additional measurable benefits for employers taking on apprentices include better team performance, productivity targets met or exceeded, quicker response time and reduced error rates.









Entry requirements: There are no specific qualifications required for entry to this apprenticeship framework; however Apprentices should:

show enthusiasm to work in Dental Nursing and be working for a minimum of 30 hours per week and a maximum of 48 hours – this is inclusive of the study day at college.

ideally have achieved a Grade C GCSE (or equivalent) in English and maths, however; consideration will be given to those who achieve a Grade D in these areas.

have a suitable level of physical fitness to perform some aspects of the job roles.

be willing to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Services (DBS) check (this is needed as apprentices are likely to work with children, young people or vulnerable adults).









Objective: Apprenticeships are work-based training programmes designed around the needs of employers, which lead to nationally recognised qualifications.









Assessment: Assessment for this qualification is through formal assessment and via the workplace.
To meet the requirements of this apprenticeship framework, learners will complete a Level 3 Award in Employment and Personal Learning Skills as well as complete functional skills in English and maths at Level 2.
Qualifications required for exemption from Functional Skills are GCSEs at C Grade in English and maths (achieved within five years of the apprentice enrolling at college) or Functional Skills L2 in English and maths. If apprentices are not exempt then they will need to complete the Level 2 Functional Skills in both English and maths which will be studied on their day at City College Norwich.









Academic progression: There are a range of post registration courses available to Dental Nurses looking to progress in their career. These may include further QCF qualifications, a range of higher education qualifications or other work-related education and training to support continuing professional development.









Career progression: There are a range of post registration courses available to Dental Nurses looking to progress in their career. These may include further QCF qualifications, a range of higher education qualifications or other work-related education and training to support Continuing Professional Development. NEBDN (National Examining Board for Dental Nurses) post-registration qualifications include:

Certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing

Certificate in Oral Health Education

Certificate in Special Care Dental Nursing

Certificate in Orthodontic Nursing

Certificate in Dental Radiography









Costs: Training on the Apprenticeships programme is currently funded for apprentices aged 16 - 18 years at the time of enrolment.  An employer contribution is required for those aged either 19+ or who have a level 4 or higher qualification.
Apprentices will be paid by their employer for their normal working hours which includes their time at college. In addition Apprentices are entitled to a minimum of 20 days paid holiday per year plus bank holidays.