Dentistry Apprenticeships

How do dentistry apprenticeships work?

Dentistry apprenticeships let you earn while you learn. You'll split your time between hands-on work at a dental practice and studying for your qualifications.

Most apprentices spend around four days a week at their practice and one day learning at college or through online training. Your exact schedule depends on your employer, but they'll work with you to make it work.

The best bit? You'll earn a salary from day one.

Can I become a dentist through an apprenticeship?

To become a dentist, you’ll need a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). This is a five-year degree programme for undergraduates at UK universities. 

While a degree apprenticeship isn’t currently available in dentistry, that’s not to say it won’t be in the future!

If you want a dentistry-related career without going to university, you’ll still be able to do a dentistry apprenticeship in the following areas:

• Dental nursing

• Dental hygiene 

• Dental technician

What apprenticeships can you do in dentistry?

While you can't become a dentist through an apprenticeship (yet), that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. There are a few types of apprenticeships that'll give you the skills and experience to build a rewarding career in dentistry.

Apprenticeships are available from Levels 3 to 5 in the following:

Dental nurse (Level 3 apprenticeship)

You’ll support dentists, hygienists and technicians in providing patient care. As an apprentice, you'll meet patients from all walks of life. Some will be coming for routine check-ups, others for treatment of more complex conditions like gum disease. You'll help them feel comfortable and at ease.

Your responsibilities include:

• Decontaminating instruments

• Updating patient records

• Ensuring equipment and supplies are ready when needed.

Orthodontic therapist (Level 4 apprenticeship)

You’ll assist an orthodontist in fitting, adjusting and removing braces. Some of your responsibilities will include:

• Take scans of the patient's teeth and prepare them for treatment

• Help patients feel comfortable and give advice on caring for their braces

• Fit brackets, change wires, and remove braces when treatment is complete.

Oral health practitioner (Level 4 apprenticeship)

As an oral health practitioner, you’ll work within the communities to help prevent oral problems before they start. Your day-to-day could include:

• Teaching patients proper oral care, like brushing and how to keep their mouths healthy

• Running workshops in schools, care homes and community centres

• Checking oral health and applying treatments.

Dental technician (Level 5 apprenticeship)

Dental technicians work in the labs, designing and manufacturing dental appliances for patients. You’ll work under the guidance of a dentist, making crowns, braces, retainers and dentures.

Your responsibilities could include:

• Constructing models of a patient's teeth and mouth based on X-rays taken by the dentist

• Creating porcelain veneers using ceramic-metal

• Making artificial facial features for patients who need them.

Dental hygienist (Level 6 degree apprenticeship)

The latest addition to the dental apprenticeship family, you’ll teach patients how to take care of their teeth and gums. As a dental hygienist, you’ll work in a range of places like hospitals, youth centres or care homes for the elderly, not just a dental practice. You might have to wear protective gear too, like a uniform and a mask.

On a day-to-day, you’ll:

• Remove plaque

• Apply sealants to reduce tooth decay

• Give local anaesthetics to patients under the dentist's supervision.

The dental hygienist apprenticeship hasn’t started just yet, but keep an eye on Skills England to be in the loop.

Sounds good so far? Let’s discover where you can find these apprenticeships…

Where can you work as a dentistry apprentice?

While you’ll spend a lot of your time in a dental clinic, there are some roles where you’ll get experience in labs and the wider community. The NHS is a huge employer within this industry, but there are many private companies as well, such as BUPA. 

Here’s how this apprentice dental nurse felt about their time with the NHS:

I feel that what I have learnt and how I have developed during my time on the apprenticeship have changed how I am as a practitioner in my own right rather than just assisting the dentist. I have much more confidence in my abilities and want to take on more responsibilities and continue to further my progression and knowledge. Dental Nurse, NHS

How much do dentistry apprentices earn?

As an apprentice, you’ll earn a salary from day one, covering your worked hours and any training time. Your salary will depend on the practice, level of apprenticeship and the location where you’re working (for example, apprenticeships in London pay more than those outside the capital).

You’ll earn the national minimum wage, but loads of employers pay a lot more. Here’s a breakdown of what you could earn:

• Dental nurse (Level 3): £22,000

• Oral health practitioner (Level 4): £23,000

• Orthodontic therapist (Level 4): £31,000

• Dental technician (Level 5): £31,000

Once you’re fully qualified with a few years of experience under your belt, you could earn as much as £55,000 per year.

What qualifications do you need to apply?

This will depend on the level you apply for. Let’s get into it.

To become a dental nurse, you’ll need four or five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent, including English and maths.

If you’re applying for an oral health practitioner, you’ll need to already be registered as a dental nurse or GDC-registered dental care professional (like dental therapist, orthodontic therapist, dental hygienist or similar).

Looking to become a dental technician? You’ll need the following:

• At least two A Levels or similar in at least one science or health subject

• Five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) including English, Maths and Science

• Be 16 and older.

If you’re over 21, you can apply with work experience instead of formal qualifications; you'll just need to pass an assessment.

How do you apply for dentistry apprenticeships?

Dental practices hire apprentices throughout the year, so once you've found the perfect opportunity, you can apply straight away.

You’ll start with an online application where you’ll also upload your CV.

PRO TIP: Always tailor your application to each specific role and make sure to highlight relevant experience, even from part-time jobs or volunteering.

Some roles require a personal statement (usually around 1,000 words) where you can demonstrate what you'll bring to the role. They'll let you know what to include.

From there, you'll be invited for an interview. Some dental apprenticeships might also include an assessment day.

Need some more tips? We have loads of hacks to help you level up your application skills. Click below: