Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship

At Medipro, we provide a blended learning approach to ensure apprentices develop clinical skills while applying their learning in real dental settings:

• On-the-Job Training – Apprentices gain hands-on experience in dental procedures and patient care.
• Dedicated Tutor Support – Monthly 1-2-1 coaching and structured progress reviews.
• Blended Learning Model – Online learning, live virtual workshops, and in-practice mentoring.
• Employer Access to Aptem – Full visibility of apprentice progress, assessments, and compliance.
• Teesside and Bristol Training Centre – Practical training sessions to reinforce clinical skills.

Our structured programme ensures apprentices develop real-world dental nursing expertise while maintaining their professional responsibilities. Click HERE to view a sample e-learning module.

By the end of the programme and to become a Dental Nurse, Apprentices must have achieved the following:

• Level 2 functional skills in English & Maths, if not already achieved
• Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practices of Dental Nursing

Upon completion learners will be eligible to apply to the General Dental Council as a dental nurse.

Apprentices need to be 16 years or older and be working in dental practices or healthcare settings requiring dental nursing support.

We provide full wraparound support to help employers maximise their investment in apprenticeships:

✔ Recruitment Assistance – Helping you find aspiring dental nursing professionals.
✔ Government Funding Guidance – Accessing 95% funding if you’re a non-levy payer.
✔ No National Insurance Contributions – Employers pay no NI for apprentices under 25 (up to £50,000 salary).
✔ Regular Progress Reviews – Ensuring your apprentice develops in line with industry standards.
✔ Dedicated Safeguarding Support – 24/7 access to our learner safeguarding app for wellbeing support.

Exam fees for the learner are covered within the levy, so NO additional exam costs will be passed onto apprentices.

To support and encourage the development of apprentices within your practice, any employer who signs up a level 3 dental nurse apprentice will receive free emergency first aid, medical emergencies and AED training for their surgery for up to 12 staff per year.

Who is the Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship for? 

This apprenticeship is for employers and learners who want to train as dental nurses through an employed apprenticeship route.  

Does the apprentice need to already have an employer? 

Yes. Apprentices must already be working in an appropriate dental environment with an employer who is prepared to support their training. The programme specification requires apprentices to have a minimum contract of 16 hours per week however, we recommend at least 30 hours weekly to meet awarding body expectations and to enable completion of the course within the 18 month timeframe.  

Can Medipro place someone into an apprenticeship job? 

Medipro offers recruitment assistance for employers.  

Why is a supportive employer essential on the apprenticeship route? 

Because the apprentice must develop competence in a real clinical environment. The specification says employers must provide a safe workplace, a knowledgeable workplace mentor or supervisor, and enough exposure to the range of patients and procedures needed to meet the GDC outcomes.  

How long does the apprenticeship take? 

The apprenticeship duration is 18 months. 

How is the apprenticeship delivered? 

The apprenticeship is delivered online through a blended model, with on-the-job training, monthly one-to-one tutor support, virtual workshops, in-practice mentoring and support. 

What will the apprentice learn? 

The apprentice will gain the essential knowledge and skills to work as a competent dental nurse, including understanding regulatory requirements, maintaining health and safety, and reflecting on their practice. They will learn to promote oral health, support patient assessments, and assist in dental imaging. The programme also covers supporting a wide range of clinical procedures such as prevention and treatment of oral disease, restorative work, prosthetics, endodontics, extractions, and minor oral surgery, alongside building knowledge of dental anatomy and first aid essentials. As part of the apprenticeship, there will also be additional content covering safeguarding, careers guidance, and British values. 

What qualification does the apprentice achieve? 

The apprentice will complete the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing. Additionally, both apprentices and dental practice staff can gain a First Aid at Work qualification at a discounted rate. Apprentices under 19 years old will also need to achieve qualifications in maths and English if they have not already done so. 

How is the apprenticeship assessed? 

The underlying diploma is assessed through an assessed portfolio plus two online MCQ tests.  

Does the apprentice need workplace observations? 

Yes. The apprentice will have a workplace supervisor to ensure their safety while working. However, practical competence will be formally assessed through three workplace observations conducted by a Medipro assessor.   

What are the entry requirements for the apprenticeship? 

Apprentices must be 16 or older and already be working in a dental practice or healthcare setting needing dental nursing support.  

Will the apprentice become a registered dental nurse automatically? 

No. As with the commercial route, successful completion enables the learner to apply to the GDC as a dental nurse. Registration is a separate process after qualification achievement.  

What support does Medipro provide to employers? 

Medipro provides recruitment assistance, funding guidance, progress reviews, employer access to Aptem, and safeguarding support.  

What is the key first step for an employer or learner? 

The first step is securing the employment arrangement and confirming that the practice can provide the right clinical exposure, supervision and support. Once that is in place, Medipro can guide the employer and learner through enrolment and funding.