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Dental Nursing Apprenticeship Training

Suffolk continues to face increasing demand for accessible, high‑quality dental care, and your practice can be part of the solution. By taking on a Dental Nurse Apprentice trained through Suffolk New College, you gain a motivated trainee receiving modern, industry‑aligned education delivered locally.

Our apprentices attend Suffolk New College weekly, developing up‑to‑date clinical knowledge, hands‑on skills, and the professional behaviours they bring straight back into your practice. With strong links to local employers and a focus on creating confident, work‑ready dental professionals, Suffolk New College provides the training, your practice benefits from the talent.

Upskill or Recruit

Whether you’re looking to upskill existing staff or bring new talent into your team, we can support you free of charge with the vacancy process and promotion through our Talent Pool.

Talent Pool

We currently have 400+ subscribers, including school and college leavers as well as adults seeking a career change, and we would be happy to see if we have a potential match for your practice.

Two dental nurses in scrubs and masks providing dental care to a patient in a clinical setting at Suffolk New College, specialising in dental nursing education and training.

Who is this apprenticeship for?

This apprenticeship is designed for dental practices looking to grow and upskill their team by developing competent, confident, and GDC‑registered dental nurses.

It is ideal for practices that want to:

  • Recruit new dental nurses and train them through an approved, structured programme.
  • Upskill existing staff who are ready to progress into a clinical support role.
  • Ensure team members meet General Dental Council (GDC) requirements for working chairside.
  • Build a pipeline of qualified dental nurses through the Level 3 Dental Nursing Practitioner (Diploma) To meet GDC standards, learners must be:
  • Enrolled on a recognised dental nursing training programme,
  • Due to start an approved programme within the next 2 years, or
  • Already holding a GDC‑approved dental nursing qualification.

This apprenticeship provides a clear, supported pathway to help your practice develop safe, compliant, and highly skilled dental nursing staff.

A smiling dental nursing student in blue scrubs engaging with a patient in a clinical setting at Suffolk New College, highlighting dental care training and patient interaction.
Two dental nursing students practicing oral care techniques with a dental model, demonstrating skills essential for a career in dental nursing at Suffolk New College.

How an apprentice can benefit your practice

A Dental Nurse apprentice can bring immediate value to your team. Through the apprenticeship programme, they will:

  • Build essential practical skills needed for the dental nurse role.
  • Develop professional behaviours aligned with industry expectations.
  • Gain understanding of GDC standards required for entry onto the professional register.
  • Grow in confidence, supporting your wider team and enhancing the patient experience.
  • Create a solid foundation for future career progression, becoming a long‑term asset to your practice.

Investing in an apprentice helps strengthen your workforce, improves service quality, and supports the development of skilled, confident dental professionals.

Close-up of dental tools on a white cloth, highlighting dental nursing equipment used in clinical training at Suffolk New College.
Dental nursing students practicing patient care techniques in a clinical training environment at Suffolk New College, focusing on dental health and patient safety.

More information for apprenticeship employers

Click below to find our more about employing an apprentice and the wide range of industry sectors we train.

Health Science Campus logo displayed on a wall beside a staircase in the campus building.

Funding and employer costs

Non‑levy employers:
The Government funds 95%–100% of the training cost.

  • Free for apprentices aged under 22.
  • £400 employer contribution for apprentices aged 22+

Levy-paying employers:
Use your Apprenticeship Service Account to fully fund the £8,000 training cost.

Hand holding a money bag and another hand holding a lightbulb, symbolising financial support and ideas for dental nursing students at Suffolk New College.

Training and skills

20% off the Job Training

Apprentices are to attend college one day a week to gain new knowledge, develop skills, and receive expert tutor support.

Functional Skills

Apprentices who have not yet achieved a GCSE grade 4/5 (or equivalent) in English and Maths will have the opportunity to complete Functional Skills as part of their apprenticeship. We offer flexible delivery options, tailored and agreed with you before the programme begins—ensuring every apprentice has the support they need to succeed.

Modern dental clinic with dental chair and equipment, ideal for dental nursing training at Suffolk New College, supporting career development in dental healthcare.

Assessment and journey

End Point Assessment

The End‑Point Assessment (EPA) is an exciting final stage that showcases the knowledge, skills and behaviours your apprentice has developed—proving they are fully competent and ready to excel in their Dental Nurse role.
The Dental Nurse EPA includes:

  • A synoptic multiple‑choice test to demonstrate knowledge
  • A workplace observation to highlight practical ability
  • A professional interview to showcase confidence and understanding

Together, these elements celebrate your apprentice’s achievements and confirm they are industry‑ready.

The Learners Journey

Month 1 – Sign up and Introduction.

Months 2-18 – Learning

Month 19 – Gateway to EPA

Months 20-21 – EPA

A smiling dental nursing student in a white coat and blue gloves working with dental equipment in a clinical training environment at Suffolk New College.
Dental nursing tools and supplies including toothbrushes, dental instruments, and mouthwash arranged on a blue background, highlighting dental training at Suffolk New College.

Contact the Apprenticeships Team

If you are interested in taking on an apprentice, or training your current staff, please call us on 01473 382600 or send us an email.