The Core Objective
This program is tailored for dental nurse apprentices in England. By enrolling, you’re taking a step towards a recognised qualification that meets the Dental Nurse apprenticeship standard ST0113 and Assessment Plan AP05.
Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing
Embark on a transformative journey towards becoming a qualified Dental Nurse.
This apprenticeship qualification, specifically crafted for budding dental nurse apprentices in England only, marries comprehensive curriculum with real-world practice to offer a deep, enriching learning experience.
Stepping into the world of Dental Nursing is both a noble pursuit and a rewarding career choice. With our City & Guilds Level 3 Apprenticeship, you’re not just enrolling in a course; you’re embarking on a journey crafted with precision, expertise, and a vision for the future. Designed with insights from dental professionals, this apprenticeship ensures a comprehensive blend of theoretical mastery and hands-on experience. Moreover, with the support of a government-backed scheme, financial burdens fade into the background.
Choose this apprenticeship to equip yourself with an industry-approved qualification, opening doors to a world of opportunities and setting the gold standard for dental nursing education.
Unravelling the Apprenticeship: A 6-Part Introduction
Navigating the vast realm of dental nursing requires a curriculum that’s both comprehensive and hands-on. Our program ensures that learners get an enriching blend of theoretical understanding paired with practical exposure. Delve deeper to understand how this apprenticeship program stands out in molding the dental nurses of tomorrow.
The course structure ensures that learners don’t just understand the theoretical aspects but also gain hands-on experience. The course offers a systematic approach to cover the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) of the Dental Nurse apprenticeship. A pivotal part of the qualification is the End-Point Assessment, integrated to meet the GDC Learning Outcomes for Dental Nurses. Learners are required to successfully navigate through the on-programme assessments, pass the apprenticeship Gateway, and achieve the End Point Assessment.
A Two-Phase Journey
Apprentices won’t just learn; they’ll demonstrate their expertise. To achieve the full qualification, both the on-programme and the End-Point Assessment stages must be completed.
Content Mastery
The curriculum is exhaustive, covering the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) of the ST0113 Dental Nurse apprenticeship standard. Further, it satisfies the General Dental Council’s (GDC) Learning Outcomes.
Seamless Progression Opportunities
With this qualification, opportunities are boundless. Graduates can further advance in areas such as Assessment, Education and Training, Coaching, Mentoring, and Leadership and Management qualifications through City & Guilds.
Developed with Excellence
This qualification stems from the collective insights of dental nursing experts, Employers, FE Colleges, and Private Training Providers. It’s GDC approved and recognised by Skills for Health.
A Stamp of Authenticity
Yes, it aligns with the Dental Nurse ST0113 AP05 apprenticeship standard, ensuring the authenticity and relevance of the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Embarking on a new educational journey often comes with a myriad of questions. We understand the importance of clarity and transparency when making such a significant decision. Below, we’ve curated a list of the most common inquiries related to the City & Guilds Level 3 Apprenticeship in Dental Nursing to help guide your understanding and ensure you’re well-informed.
When does the course start?
Regular intakes throughout the year. Offering lessons Tuesdays – Fridays depending on your employer preference.
What is the Dental Nurse apprenticeship standard ST0113?
The ST0113 is a standard set for the apprenticeship of dental nurses in England, ensuring they meet specific knowledge, skills, and behaviours for the profession.
Does this qualification solely focus on theoretical knowledge?
No, this qualification blends both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for real-world scenarios in dental nursing.
Is the End-Point Assessment (EPA) integrated into the qualification or conducted separately?
The EPA is integrated into the qualification. Candidates will not be awarded the full qualification until they achieve both the on-programme and the End-Point Assessment.
How is this qualification recognised by the General Dental Council (GDC)?
The qualification content aligns with the GDC’s Learning Outcomes for Dental Nurses, and as such, it is approved by the GDC. It meets the qualification requirements for applicants to join the GDC professional register for dental nurses.
What kind of opportunities can I expect after completing this apprenticeship?
1. Dental Nurse Qualification: Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship, learners will achieve their dental nurse qualification. This qualification is a testament to their training, skills, and expertise in dental care.
2. Registration with the General Dental Council (GDC): With the dental nurse qualification in hand, learners can register with the GDC as Dental Care Professionals. This registration is vital as it officially recognises the individual’s competence and ability to practice in the UK. Being registered with the GDC also ensures that the dental nurse adheres to the standards and ethics of the dental profession.
3. Specialist Sectors in Dentistry: After gaining experience as a dental nurse, individuals can choose to specialise in various sectors within dentistry. This can include areas such as:
- Orthodontics: Assisting in the correction of misaligned teeth and jaws.
- Pediatric Dentistry: Specialising in dental care for children.
- Endodontics: Focusing on root canal procedures and diseases of the dental pulp.
- Periodontics: Dealing with gum diseases and the structures supporting teeth.
- Oral Surgery: Assisting in surgical procedures in the oral cavity.
4. Post-Registration Qualifications: Dental nurses can further enhance their skills and expertise by pursuing post-registration qualifications. Some of these include:
- Fluoride Varnish Application: This qualification allows dental nurses to apply fluoride varnish under the prescription of a dentist.
- Oral Health Education: This enables dental nurses to provide oral health advice to patients.
- Radiography: With additional training, dental nurses can take dental X-rays.
- Sedation: Assisting dentists during procedures where patients are sedated.
5. Career Progression and Leadership Roles: Experienced dental nurses may have the opportunity to move into leadership or management roles within dental practices. They can supervise new trainees, manage dental teams, or even become practice managers.
6. Academia and Training: For those who develop a passion for teaching, there are opportunities to move into training future dental nurses.
7. Continuous Professional Development (CPD): The dental field, like many healthcare sectors, is always evolving. Dental nurses have the chance to continuously update their knowledge through CPD courses, ensuring they are always at the forefront of the latest techniques and treatments.
In conclusion, an apprenticeship in dental nursing not only equips learners with the foundational skills and qualifications to be competent dental care professionals but also sets them on a path with numerous avenues for professional growth and specialisation.
Who contributed to the development of this qualification?
This qualification was crafted with input from a range of dental nursing experts, including Employers, FE Colleges, Private Training Providers, and has been approved by Skills for Health.
How many on-programme observations are required, and who conducts them?
A minimum of five observations of practice in the workplace is essential. At least two of these must be executed by the assessor, while the remaining can be done by an Expert Witness.
Can you explain the significance of the "Gateway" in this qualification?
The Gateway is a crucial stage before the End-Point Assessment. Candidates need to successfully pass through the apprenticeship Gateway by fulfilling all its requirements to proceed to the EPA.
How does this qualification support the application to the Dental Nurse professional register?
The course content meets the GDC Learning Outcomes for Dental Nurses. As such, the City & Guilds Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing supports the application requirement to the Dental Nurse professional register.
Meet your Trainer
Meet your dedicated and experienced Learning and Skills Tutor. You’re in very capable hands. Allie is here to guide you through this learning journey. So, let’s get started. Your tutor can’t wait to meet you!
Becky Smith
Becky qualified in 2009 and gained her certificate in Radiography in 2011and has a real specialist interest in Orthodontics. She passed her PTLLS and Assessor award in 2015 and enjoyed a career with Training 2000 Ltd delivering City & Guilds NVQ level 3 in Dental Nursing for 2 years, before joining Cavity in 2017, nursing around her young family.
Becky has helped develop our amazing diploma course and loves helping people progress through their dental career. As well as being a busy mum of two, with 2 dogs she is into fitness (including pole for fitness – for fun !)
Sarah Halsey
I qualified as a Dental Nurse in 2002. I then furthered my knowledge by gaining my Oral Health Education, Radiography and Sedation qualifications as well as my PTTLS.
I joined Cavity as a locum Dental Nurse in 2020 and since then have gained my assessor qualification.
In my spare time I like to keep fit by dancing, enjoy travelling especially to places where I can indulge my passion in history and love getting lost in a good book.
I am looking forward to this new chapter of training and seeing Dental Nurses progress in their careers.
Allie O’Connell
I qualified as a dental nurse in 2012. After qualification I spent the next 4 years in private practice, I completed my Certificate Oral Health Education, Impression Taking Qualification and gained experience within various specialties including my personal favourite, orthodontics.
I joined Cavity Dental Staff in 2016, where I worked as an agency nurse until 2022. I completed my CAVA qualification in 2022 and I started my assessing journey. I soon realised I really have found my passion, which is within education. I completed my AET in December 2023 and am now studying for my Level 5 LST. I’m currently teaching an apprenticeship class and help with the CAVA qualification regularly.
In my spare time I’m lucky enough to be a chef’s wife, so enjoy being cooked for as well as I love to cook, spend time with family, and long walks in the countryside with my gorgeous spaniel, Seth.
Jackaleen Bentley-Vaughan
Jackaleen qualified in 2014, then gained her orthodontic certificate in 2021, followed by her sedation certificate in 2023, all while locuming with Cavity Dental Staff. When the opportunity presented itself for her to gain her CAVA Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement, Jackaleen jumped at the chance, and is now progressing toward gaining her tutoring qualifications.
In her free time she is a keen motorcyclist and is a member of a female only club, the Curvy Riders. As well as being an avid gamer, she also enjoys an evening in with board games.
Vanda Duarte
I have started my dental nursing career in 2010 and became a qualified dental nurse in 2011. Throughout the years I have work in a variety of fields including implants and community dental services and maxillofacial department, however my passion around prevention head lead me to a slightly different route.
In 2014 I have decided to enrol on a Public health degree and since developing a variety of health promotion interventions tackling oral health and other health conditions.
For the past decade I have also been teaching dental nurses as I love to encourage and stimulate others and make a real difference on their learning journey.
Since 2017 I have started to work as a mouth care lead on a mental health Trust where I combine my passion around health interventions and teaching.
More recently, after being away from dental practices for quite some time I have decided to join Cavity in order to go back to “groundwork” and still able to share my passion to inspire trainee dental nurses.
I am a mother of two boys and when not working I love spending time with them and with our lovely pug “Milo”.
I also love running and dancing and try to do as much as possible around my busy life.
Benefits to Candidates
Reasons to choose the Cavity Training Apprenticeship
The course not only equips learners with the foundational knowledge of dental nursing but also guides them through units that are deeply intertwined with real-world scenarios, such as “Preparing for professional practice in dental nursing” and “Recognising and supporting actions during first aid and medical emergencies”.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Gain both theoretical knowledge and practical hands-on experience in dental nursing.
- Financial Ease: Thanks to the government-backed scheme, candidates face no financial burdens, ensuring uninterrupted learning.
- GDC Approval: The course aligns with the General Dental Council’s Learning Outcomes, providing industry-standard recognition.
- Career Progression: Opens pathways to further City & Guilds qualifications in diverse areas, enhancing career growth.
- Professional Registration: Successfully completing the apprenticeship supports applications to the Dental Nurse professional register.
- Structured Learning: Clear guidelines for on-programme assessments, the apprenticeship Gateway, and the End-Point Assessment ensures streamlined learning.
- BADN Membership: FREE student membership to The British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN) once you start your training with us.
For Employers
Employers love our Apprenticeship
For employers, investing in this apprenticeship isn’t just about fulfilling a training need; it’s about shaping the future of dental care, ensuring that your team is equipped with top-tier skills and knowledge, and reaping the tangible benefits of a well-trained workforce.
- Skilled Workforce: Employ apprentices who are trained under a comprehensive and industry-approved curriculum, ensuring a competent workforce.
- Financial Incentives: Often, the course is free for employers due to small employer exemptions and the opportunity for larger employers to use their apprenticeship levy.
- Industry Collaboration: The qualification was developed in collaboration with dental nursing experts, ensuring relevance and applicability in real-world settings.
- End-Point Assessment: Integrated EPA ensures that apprentices are thoroughly evaluated and meet the industry standards.
- Supporting Growth: Employers play a pivotal role in nurturing talent, and this apprenticeship recognises and facilitates that role.
- Meeting Standards: The apprenticeship aligns with the Dental Nurse apprenticeship standard ST0113 and Assessment Plan AP05, ensuring adherence to established industry benchmarks.
Course Costs
Understanding Course Costs: A Government-Backed Initiative
Venturing into the world of Dental Nursing shouldn’t be burdened by financial constraints. We’re proud to present this apprenticeship under a government-backed scheme, ensuring that aspirants like you can access top-tier education without the stress of expenses.
For the Candidate:
Worry not about hidden fees or sudden costs. This initiative ensures that candidates pay absolutely nothing. Your focus should be on learning and evolving as a dental nurse, and we make sure that finances don’t stand in your way.
For Employers:
Recognising the vital role employers play in fostering new talent, this scheme offers substantial benefits. Often, employers find themselves exempt from course costs, especially if they fall under the small employer exemption bracket. Larger employers aren’t left out either. If you’re a large employer, you can seamlessly utilise your apprenticeship levy to cover the course expenses, making it a win-win for all involved.
Invest in a brighter future without the financial strain. Dive into this opportunity and reap the benefits of a government-backed approach to education and career growth.
Course Structure
A Deeper Dive into the Curriculum
The course structure ensures that learners don’t just understand the theoretical aspects but also gain hands-on experience.
The course offers a systematic approach to cover the Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) of the Dental Nurse apprenticeship. A pivotal part of the qualification is the End-Point Assessment, integrated to meet the GDC Learning Outcomes for Dental Nurses. Learners are required to successfully navigate through the on-programme assessments, pass the apprenticeship Gateway, and achieve the End Point Assessment.
