Dental Nursing
What is an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is a work-based learning programme designed to give you the skills and knowledge needed to develop your prospects and career in the industry. As a dental nurse, you’ll help a dentist in practice to look after patients before, during and after treatment. Administrative duties are also included in the role of a dental nurse, including appointments, bill payments and other matters.
You need to have good communication skills and enjoy being part of a team, whilst also being enthusiastic and willing to learn.
How do I find an Apprenticeship?
The first thing you need to do is to find a job. Apprenticeships are work-based which means you need to be employed before you can start your training.
There are many places you can go to find a job; Connexions, local papers, internet job sites, and Job Centre Plus. You can even try friends and family to see if they know anybody who may have a vacancy.
Once you have gained employment contact Total People!
What happens then?
Total People will send one of their Training Advisers out to you. They will sit down with both you and your employer to arrange your individual learning plan.
Your training will require you to attend college for one evening a week. An assessor will visit you in the workplace to carry out observations and will arrange suitable time to guide you with your NVQ portfolio.
How long will it take?
The time taken to complete your NVQ depends upon you; how quickly you want to do it. However it normally takes around 18 months to complete.
Completing your Apprenticeship
Your Dental Nursing Apprenticeship is made up from 3 core elements;
- NVQ
- Technical Certificate
- Key Skills
Your NVQ portfolio is like a work diary, it records your activities and experiences. Your portfolio is assessed to make sure you are competent. Your work will be assessed at your place of work.
The Technical Certificate gives you the underpinning knowledge needed to carry out the tasks of your NVQ.
Key Skills are similar to Maths and English GCSEs however learning is focussed around Dental Nursing; for example, you will learn how to calculate the cost of equipment and how to make your proposal to your manager.
Further Progression
Being qualified will open many doors to you. You will be able to show your employer that, along with being qualified, you have also shown commitment, dedication and professionalism. This could lead to promotion, higher rates of pay, or managerial opportunities.
You will gain a nationally recognised qualification, work-based experience and the opportunity for progression in a dental-related career, as well as progression to higher qualifications, opening up further exciting opportunities.
