Complete Level 3 Dental Nurse Integrated Apprenticeship program in 12-18 months

Level 3 Dental Nurse Integrated Apprenticeship

The Level 3 Dental Nurse Integrated Apprenticeship offers a comprehensive pathway for individuals aspiring to become qualified dental nurses. This program combines practical workplace experience with academic learning, equipping apprentices with the skills, behaviours and knowledge required to excel in the field of dental nursing.

Why should I choose an Apprenticeship?

Paid Employment: Apprentices earn a salary while they learn, providing financial stability as they develop their careers.

Hands-On Experience: Apprentices receive practical training in a real-world setting, giving them a competitive edge in the job market.

Classroom/Online Learning: In addition to on-site training, apprentices spend time in a classroom or online setting to learn theoretical aspects of their trade.

Nationally Recognized Qualification: Upon completion, apprentices receive a NCFE certification that is recognized by the General Dental Council and is a stepping stone for those looking to further their careers in dental healthcare.

Functional Skills Development

A crucial component of the apprenticeship is the development of functional skills in Maths and English. Functional skills give you the ability to excel in your professional and personal life. They provide you with useful tools to handle everyday work situations. Improving your functional skills can enhance your career prospects. Apprentices without level 2 Functional Skills in English and maths or an equivalent certificate will need to achieve this level prior to taking the end point assessment.

Course Structure

Duration: The apprenticeship program is designed to last 18 months, providing an in-depth experience that encompasses both hands-on practice and academic learning in early childhood education. Following this period, an additional 3 months are allocated specifically for preparing for the End Point Assessment (EPA), ensuring that apprentices are fully equipped for successful completion.

We recommend that learners engage in a minimum of 418 hours of off-the-job training during this program, which may vary based on their existing knowledge. Additionally, completing 80% on-the-job training is a mandatory aspect of this program.

Funding: Up to £6,000 is available from the government to support your training, making it an accessible option for many candidates

What is an EPA and why it happens?

An EPA is an assessment at the end of your apprenticeship. It will assess you against the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) in the occupational standard. Your training will cover the KSBs. The EPA is your opportunity to show an independent assessor how well you can carry out the occupation you have been trained for.
Your employer will choose an end-point assessment organisation (EPAO) to deliver the EPA. Your employer and training provider should tell you what to expect and how to prepare for your EPA. The EPA period is typically 3 months.
The overall grades available for this apprenticeship are fail, pass, distinction. When you pass the EPA, you will be awarded your apprenticeship certificate.

Your Path Forward

After completing a Level 3 Dental Nurse Integrated Apprenticeship, there are several career progression opportunities available:

Further Training: You can undertake additional training to specialize in areas such as dental hygiene, dental therapy, or orthodontic.

Advanced Roles: With experience, you could progress to roles like Senior Dental Nurse, Hygienist, Therapist, or Practice

Education: You may choose to pursue further education to expand your qualifications and potentially teach future dental nurses.

You’ll be eligible to register with the General Dental Council and join the Association of British Dental Nurses, which is a requirement to work legally in the sector

Requirements

Be aged 16+ at the time of enrolment. You can also apply for an apprenticeship while you’re still at school but you’ll need to be 16 or over by the end of the summer holidays to start the apprenticeship.
Be a UK or European Economic Area (EEA), or have lived in the UK or EEA for the past three consecutive years
Willing to carry out a DBS check
To work in a dental practice you need to get Hep B Vaccination
Not already in full-time education at the point of enrolment
Not already hold a qualification at the same level or above in the same area that you wish to study