The Assistant Practitioner (Health) Level 5 Apprenticeship is a highly relevant progression pathway for experienced dental nurses seeking to develop advanced clinical, leadership, care coordination, and patient-centred care skills. Designed for healthcare professionals working at a higher level of practice, the programme equips learners with the knowledge, behaviours, and competencies required to support, coordinate, and deliver high-quality care across a range of healthcare settings.

The apprenticeship focuses on developing the ability to undertake delegated clinical activities, support individuals with complex health needs, promote health and wellbeing, and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. These competencies closely align with the expanding role of dental nurses, particularly those undertaking extended duties, supporting vulnerable patient groups, contributing to service improvement projects, and leading oral health promotion initiatives.

Throughout the programme, learners will enhance their critical thinking, clinical decision-making, communication, and evidence-based practice skills. They will gain experience in assessing patient needs, monitoring care, supporting safe and effective service delivery, and contributing to quality improvement activities within their workplace. The course also develops leadership and professional skills, enabling learners to take greater responsibility within clinical teams and support the development of colleagues and services.
The apprenticeship is suitable for dental nurses working in primary care, community dental services, specialist services, and hospital settings, allowing learners to apply their learning directly within their own workplace environments. The flexible nature of the programme supports individual career aspirations and specialist interests while maintaining a strong focus on patient safety, quality of care, and professional development.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship can support progression into senior dental nursing, specialist clinical support roles, practice management, education and training, service improvement, and wider healthcare leadership positions.

All modules have been developed in alignment with the General Dental Council's Scope of Practice and support the development of enhanced and extended dental nursing skills. Where relevant to the learner's role and scope of practice, this may include specialist areas such as conscious sedation, oral health promotion, care of patients with additional needs, prevention-focused care, and support for complex patient pathways.

By the end of the programme, learners will be equipped to provide safe, effective, compassionate, and person-centred care while contributing positively to service development, population health improvement, and the future advancement of the dental nursing profession.