Apprentice Information

Our team consists of highly qualified individuals who continuously keep their own knowledge and skills up to date, which reflects in the mentoring and support they provide throughout the learning journey for apprentices. As a result, we are able to provide a wide variety of up to date resources to meet the needs of individual learning styles and needs. This, along with a high level of support, ultimately reflects in our continuously high success rates.

Our centre is based in Bolton town centre with easy access to transport links. The building consists of 3 floors and comprises of office space and a large classroom suite which is openly available for use.

Why choose a Dental Nursing Apprenticeship with Dentrain Professionals Ltd?

Dental Nursing is the correct route if you want a career in a patient care role and have a keen interest in learning more about the anatomy of the teeth and supporting structures, the different dental procedures that are available, medical emergencies and so much more. The Dental Nurse Apprenticeship is a vocational, work-based course which gives you the opportunity to earn while you learn the necessary skills to carry out your duties within the workplace.

Whilst learning practical skills within the workplace, you will be provided with time to spend with your allocated Trainer with live, face to face teaching and learning sessions to help support you gaining underpinning knowledge and understanding which link with the skills you will gain. A career in Dental Nursing can also provide you with great job prospects, with many apprentices progressing onto team leader/management roles in the future. The role of a Dental Nurse has many transferrable skills for other future career prospects such as becoming a Hygiene Therapist, Dentist, Lab Technician, a Paramedic or General Nurse, the list of prospects is greater than you can imagine!

If you want to gain a nationally recognised qualification as well as registering with a professional body, at the same time as gaining valuable work experience in a dental environment, this Apprenticeship is ideal for you.

How much will the apprentice cost you?

There will be no charge to you directly for the Apprenticeship.

The apprenticeship for Dental Nursing is fully funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for 16-18 year olds.

For apprentices aged 22 years (from April 2024) and above the employer is require to make a contribution of £300. This amount will be invoiced during the enrolment process

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the dentist/hygienist/therapist in all clinical procedures, providing chair-side assistance.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene and infection control, according to the latest guidelines and following practice procedures and policy.
• Prepare instrument trays for procedures.
• Follow all practice procedures and protocols to maintain patient confidentiality.
• At the end of the surgical day, ensure the surgery management is adhered to in line with practice procedures and policy.
• Advise the Lead Nurse/Management of any faulty or poorly functioning equipment, so that prompt action can be taken to remedy any defects/problems and ensure service and maintenance at the required frequency.
• Ensure that all the relevant paperwork is completed promptly and accurately and that all client records are updated and maintained, according to practice procedures.
• Maintain Registration and comply with all GDC requirements.
• Assist in managing the appointment book for all clinicians, ensuring that the daily production targets can be met and the booking system is followed and to ensure a smooth delay free workflow for patients or clinicians.
• Build trusting and caring relationships with all patients, and take all reasonable steps to ensure their comfort and retain them as a client.
• Maintain patient confidentiality at all times.
• Monitor stock levels for materials and sundries and order/liaise with Lead Nurse on ordering.
• Coordinate with the laboratory on timely dispatch and receipt of work.
• Assist the clinical team and reception team in gaining acceptance for treatment plans from clients and support the practice in gaining testimonials and referrals from clients.
• Proactively contribute to regular practice meetings.
• Assist in manning the reception as the business necessitates, providing a customer focused and seamless patient journey according to the practice’s standards.

Skills & Attitudes:

• Enthusiasm and commitment
• Ability to work flexibly
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal (including a positive and friendly phone manner)
• Excellent listening skills and a calm, empathetic approach to patients
• Dedicated to providing a first class customer service experience
• Builds trust and rapport with a wide range of people
• Good organisational skills
• Good technical skills and knowledge
• Excellent follow-up ability on all tasks
• Ability to work as part of a team, and alone when required
• Good IT skills
• An ability to bring energy and enthusiasm to any situation and always act with honesty and integrity. A “can-do” attitude, with the desire to learn new skills and take on new challenges
• To be proactive and demonstrate initiative
• Prepared to work according to the practice systems and brand standards
• A professional appearance

What are the entry requirements?

GCSE grades C / 4 or above is required for recognised prior learning. However if you do not have these grades we will accept learners with grade D / 3. Apprentices are required to complete English and/or Maths Level 2 Functional skills if they do not have recognised prior learning in these areas. Please see the Functional Skills section below for further information.

Settling in period

Once you have found your ideal practice to carry out your work placement as an Apprentice, we offer an 8-12 week settling in period to ensure that you are happy within your new role and are confident you will complete the apprenticeship. During this time, if you are required to carry out Functional Skills English and Maths, the Functional Skills Tutor will provide you with learning material to give you a head start.

Apprentice pay

Apprentices are entitled to the apprentice rate if they’re either:

• aged under 19
• aged 19 or over and in the first year of their apprenticeship
  Example: An apprentice aged 21 in the first year of their apprenticeship is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £6.40 from April 2024.

Apprentices are entitled to the national minimum wage for their age if they both are aged 19 or over have completed the first year of their apprenticeship

Example: An apprentice aged 21 who has completed the first year of their apprenticeship, is entitled to a minimum hourly rate of £11.44

Click here to find out more from the Gov UK website.

Off the Job (OTJ)

A large number of training providers expect apprentices to attend day release to contribute to Off the Job training. At Dentrain Professionals Ltd, we recognise that whilst trying to the employer is running a dental practice this isn't always easy to release staff on specific days. We therefore provide our employers with the flexibility with the Off the Job training they provide. Where day release is required to meet individual. learner needs, this is discussed and arranged at a suitable time for our employers.

OTJ is a requirement for all apprenticeship standards at all levels. Apprentices must spend 6 hours per week of their contracted working hours undertaking OTJ Training.

OTJ is defined as “learning which is undertaken outside of the normal day to day working environment and leads toward the achievement of an apprenticeship.”

OTJ Training must be directly relevant to the apprentice’s programme and teach apprentices new knowledge, skills and behaviours that will help them reach competence in their occupation. Therefore, as many employers think this is solely focused on providing time for completion of coursework, this is not the case! OTJ also consists of practical training and mentoring during every day working practice!

OTJ Training was recommended by the Richard Review of Apprenticeships and Ofsted to ensure that apprentices are actively learning and working to attain the required knowledge and skills within their sector while enrolled on their placement program.