Level 3 Dental Nursing Advanced Apprenticeship

This Level 3 Dental Nursing Advanced Apprenticeship programme usually lasts 24 months. 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.

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.

Dental nurses are registered professionals and work within the standards and scope of practice defined by the GDC Scope of Practice document (Sept 2013).

You will be required to have knowledge in the following areas:

• Dental and regional anatomy
• Respiratory and circulatory systems
• Health promotion and disease prevention
• Transmission of infectious diseases and their prevention

You will need to have skills in:

• Health promotion
• Clinical skills
• Patient care
• Patient management
• Professionalism
• Management skills
• You will behave ethically, professionally and responsibly with commitment, and be self-reflective

All learners will have a dedicated trainer/assessor who will plan learning and support you to the Gateway to End Point Assessment.

You may be required to attend college and you will receive regular workplace assessments which will assess competency. You will be required to sit a number of exams during the programme in addition to creating a portfolio of learning.

20% of the training will be delivered off the job and this can include: simulation, online learning or training from employers, shadowing, mentoring, industry visits, attendance at competitions and support in writing assignments.

You will need to pass the GDC-approved Licence to Practice Qualification and Functional Skills. You will then be independently assessed by a third party, linking and testing dental nursing skills and knowledge in a holistic way. The assessment will also include a face-to-face interview.

On completion of this Level 3 Dental Nursing Advanced Apprenticeship the apprentice can register with the General Dental Council as a qualified Dental Nurse and complete a range of Level 4 qualifications such as Oral Health or Radiography.