Fees
This course can be completed as an government funded apprenticeship, through Cavity Training.
Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship
Unlock Your Potential as a Oral Health Practitioner with Our Level 4 Course
The Oral Health Practitioner role compliments the role of other dental professionals and fits in the dental career structure a higher level than a dental nurse but below a dental hygienist, hygienist / therapist or dentist. Working to the direction of a dentist you will take dental bacterial plaque indices and debris scores, apply fluoride varnish, take clinical photographs and take impressions.
Course Dates:
Friday 10th January 2025
Monday 12th May 2025
Monday 18th August 2025
Learn about the Cavity Training Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship Course
Oral Health Practitioners have a high degree of autonomy and have responsibility for working directly with patients performing a range of oral health preventive procedures which involve working in a patient’s mouth. The Oral Health Practitioner role complements the role of other dental professionals and fits in the dental career structure at a higher level than a dental nurse but below a dental hygienist, hygienist/therapist or dentist.
Entry requirements
To become an Oral Health Practitioner, you must already be a dental nurse or other appropriate dental care professional registered with the General Dental Council for a minimum of 6 month e.g. an Orthodontic Therapist, with a minimum of 2 GCSEs – English and Math. There is an opportunity to gain a Level 2 Functional Skill Qualification alongside the apprenticeship if needed.
Structure
Our candidates are trained to the highest standards and are fully supported to develop all the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be an Oral Health Practitioner. The course duration is typically 14 – 18 months.
Knowledge
Our course is delivered via live training webinars with specialist tutors.
Skills and Behaviours
You will be appointed a designated Learning & Skills Teacher, who will coach you through your qualification and complete regular assessments with you to support you in completing your qualification. You will have weekly contact with your tutor.
FAQs
Whether you are an aspiring dental nurse, a practice looking to employ a student or place your trainees on a course, contact us.
Who is the qualification for?
Oral Health Practitioners have a high degree of autonomy and have responsibility for working directly with patients performing a range of oral health preventive procedures which involve working in a patient’s mouth. The Oral Health Practitioner role complements the role of other dental professionals and fits in the dental career structure at a higher level than a dental nurse but below a dental hygienist, hygienist/therapist or dentist.
Is it part of an apprenticeship standard or initiative?
ST0542 – Oral Health Practitioner.
What does the qualification cover?
This qualification allows candidates to learn, develop and practice in general dental practice or other healthcare and community settings to provide service including brief interventions such as targeted oral health advice to meet the needs of the individual. You will carry out general health screening activities, alongside oral health ones, to measure the holistic health of the individual you are working with e.g.: checking for diabetes, blood tests or taking blood pressure.
What opportunities for progression are there?
As an Oral Health Practitioner, you may progress later in your career to a Dental Therapist or Dental Hygienist.
What is an Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship?
It’s a work-based program combining on-the-job training with classroom learning, equipping you with skills to achieve the objectives to enable you to work autonomously, including in people’s mouths, acting within your scope of practice and under the referral of a registered clinician e.g. Dentist, Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist whilst undertaking dental activities.
What skills will I learn?
Working in the direction of a dentist you will take dental bacterial plaque indices and debris scores, apply fluoride varnish, take clinical photographs, take impressions and carry out tooth brushing in the patient’s mouth.
You will prepare and maintain the clinical environment, carry out infection control and prevention procedures, and prepare, mix and handle bio-materials. Often working alone in the community, you will deliver oral health prevention to patients, deliver oral health education and promotion to the public including clinical preventative advice.
You will carry out general health screening activities, alongside oral health ones, to measure the holistic health of the individual you are working with e.g. checking for diabetes, blood tests or taking blood pressure.
What level qualification is it equivalent to?
This qualification is equivalent to a first year undergraduate degree or HNC.
What industry sectors is it suitable for?
Dental: Oral Health Practitioner, Community Oral Health Educator, Oral Health Champion, Oral Health Ambassador, Oral Health Improvement Lead.
What will I be responsible for?
Performing a range of oral health preventive procedures which involve working in a patient’s mouth.
Meet your Trainers
Meet your dedicated and experienced Learning and Skills Tutors. You’re in very capable hands. They’re here to guide you through this learning journey. So, let’s get started. Your tutors can’t wait to meet you!
Lauren Dawes
As a Curriculum Lead teaching the City & Guilds Extended Diploma in Dental Nursing. I am a fully qualified and experienced dental nurse with over 13 years’ experience working in mixed NHS and Private dental clinics. Not only do I teach trainee dental nurses the knowledge and skills they need to become competent in their role, but I am also trained in oral health education and have previously run my own oral health education sessions where I educated patients on how to care for their mouths and prevent dental disease.
I have also completed the certificate in Dental Radiography as well as this I am qualified to apply topical fluoride on prescription from a dentist.
This experience has allowed me to develop and enhance these exceptional Courses in Oral Health Education for Cavity Dental Training.
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.
