Dental Nurse Integrated Apprenticeship

The Dental Nurse Integrated Apprenticeship is suitable for anyone employed in a Dental Practice as a trainee Dental Nurse. One of the primary roles of a Dental Nurse is to provide chair side support to dental professionals and help deliver a high level of patient care. This Apprenticeship will provide learners with the relevant qualifications to apply to the General Dental Council (GDC) for professional registration as a dental nurse.

Apprenticeship Components

• • Dental Nurse Integrated Apprenticeship

• • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing – Portfolio of Evidence, Workbooks, Observations in the Workplace and four invigilated exams.

• • Level 2 Functional Skills in Maths – Invigilated exam for Mathematics

• • Level 2 Functional Skills in English – Two invigilated exams, discussion and presentation 

• • 20% off the job training – Variety of Evidence

• • End Point Assessment – Synoptic Test, Observation of Practice and an Interview underpinned by a portolfio of evidence

Qualification Structure

In order to achieve the Advanced Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing, learners will need to achieve the 11 mandatory units from the diploma. If learners have not already achieved a level 2 qualification in Maths and English, they will need to pass the Level 2 Functional Skills for both Maths and English.

What is the End Point Assessment?

The EPA consists of 3 discrete assessments methods.​

1. Knowledge Test – The test will be 90 minutes in duration under invigilated examination conditions and will assess the knowledge mapped to this assessment method. The test will consist of 45 multiple choice questions. ​
2. Observation of Practice – The observation of practice will be undertaken in the apprentice’s workplace and must last for 75 minutes. There are two parts to the assessment; a 60 minute observation followed by a 15 minute question and answer session to check knowledge and understanding relating to the skills and behaviours observed. ​
3. Interview underpinned by a portfolio – The interview is 45 minutes in duration and the independent assessor will ask a minimum of 12 questions and ask follow up questions where clarification is required and to allow the apprentice the opportunity to cover the KSB’s mapped to this assessment method. 

What is Off the Job Training?

While on programme as an Apprentice all learners must spend a minimum of 20% of their apprenticeship conducting ‘off the job training’ towards their qualification. This could include; lectures, role-playing, simulation exercises, online learning, manufacturer training, practical training such as; mentoring, shadowing, industry visits and attendance at shows/conferences/competitions. This could also include time spent writing assignments/assessments.

This does not include; English, Maths, progress reviews, on programme assessment, or training which takes place outside the apprentice’s paid working hours.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements, however candidates will ideally already have a grade ‘C’ or above in Maths and English. If not this will need to be achieved before completion of the apprenticeship. All learners will be required to carry out Initial Assessments in Maths and English, prior to enrolment on the course. Learners will need to be working a minimum of 30 hours a week to meet the apprenticeship funding guidelines.

Progression Routes

Following the completion of the apprenticeship successful candidates  will be able to register for their GDC Licence. After gaining some experience as a qualified Dental Nurse you can look at undertaking a course to become a Therapist, Dental Technician, Dental Laboratory Assistant or a Practice Manager.

For more information, contact us now…