Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Dental Laboratory Apprentice – Level 3 Dental Technician

Apprenticeship: Level 3 Dental Technician

Job Purpose

To undertake structured workplace training and education towards qualification as a Level 3 Dental Technician, developing the knowledge, practical skills and professional behaviours required to work safely and effectively within a dental laboratory.

The Apprentice Dental Technician will learn to receive, assess, design, manufacture, finish, quality-check and dispatch dental appliances and laboratory work under appropriate supervision. The role will provide practical experience across fixed and removable prosthodontics, dental materials, digital dentistry and CAD/CAM, quality assurance, infection prevention and control, health and safety, professional conduct and communication.

The apprentice will work progressively towards the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for GDC registration as a Dental Technician through the approved education and training programme.

Regulatory and Professional Framework

The apprentice will be expected to work in accordance with:

• General Dental Council (GDC) Standards for the Dental Team.
• GDC guidance relating to trainee/student dental technicians.
• GDC requirements for education and training leading to registration.
• The laboratory's policies, procedures and quality management system.
• Relevant legislation relating to health and safety, medical devices, confidentiality, data protection and infection prevention and control.
• The requirements of the approved Level 3 Dental Technology qualification and training provider.

The GDC confirms that trainee dental technicians may be employed while undertaking a recognised programme leading to GDC registration, but they must receive appropriate training and supervision. A named GDC registrant must take responsibility for their supervision until registration is achieved.

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Key Responsibilities

1. Dental Laboratory Practice and Appliance Production

• Receiving and registering dental laboratory prescriptions and work.
• Checking prescriptions, impressions, models, scans and accompanying information.
• Identifying incomplete, unclear or potentially unsafe prescriptions and escalating concerns appropriately.
• Preparing and organising laboratory work according to the prescription and laboratory workflow.
• Developing practical skills in model and appliance production.
• Assisting with the manufacture, finishing, polishing and preparation of dental appliances.
• Developing appropriate hand skills and laboratory techniques.
• Carrying out work within the limits of competence and level of training.
• Completing laboratory records and maintaining traceability.
• Preparing completed work for quality control and dispatch.
• Learning to manage workflow, priorities and deadlines.

Working Week

Monday - Friday, 8-4

Qualifications Required

GCSEs in Maths, English, and a science subject (or equivalent) at grade 4-9 or equivalent.

Personal Qualities

Calm, Compassionate, Confident, Caring, Thirst for Knowledge

Skills Required

• A keen interest in the dental nurse profession
• Tact and discretion for handling confidential patient information responsibly.
• Clear and effective communication skills, essential for patient care and teamwork.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build rapport with patients.
• Collaborative teamwork abilities to work seamlessly with colleagues.
• Exceptional organisational and time management skills to handle priorities effectively.
• Ability to multi-task, managing multiple responsibilities efficiently.
• Calm demeanour in fast-paced environments, maintaining focus and professionalism.
• Ability to remain composed under pressure, managing high-stress situations effectively.

Training to be Provided

Laboratory Technician Level 3

Future Prospects

• Lead Dental Nurse: Take on more responsibilities by managing other dental nurses and overseeing practice operations.
• Practice Manager: Move into a management role, handling the day-to-day running of the dental practice.
• Orthodontic Nursing: Assist in orthodontic treatments, gaining expertise in appliances and aligners.

Moving Into Clinical Roles:

• Dental Hygienist or Therapist: With further qualifications, progress into roles focused on providing oral hygiene treatments or minor dental procedures.
• Extended Duties Dental Nurse: Gain additional skills such as fluoride application, impression taking, or assisting in sedation procedures.

Transition to Education or Research:

• Trainer or Assessor: Use your experience to teach and assess trainee dental nurses.
• Dental Researcher: Contribute to advancements in dentistry by working in research roles.

Related Healthcare Careers:

• Specialist Healthcare Settings: Work in maxillofacial units, hospitals, or with oral surgeons.
• Broader Healthcare Roles: Transition into other areas of healthcare, leveraging transferable skills.

Extended Skills:

• Dental Radiography: Train to take radiographs, an essential skill in modern dental practices.
• Oral Health Promotion: Work with patients and communities to educate on oral hygiene and preventative care.

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