ENGLAND: A significant milestone in the field of dental care education has been reached as the inaugural batch of apprentices training to become oral health practitioners concluded their training, becoming pioneering recipients of the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) Diploma for Oral Health Practitioners.
This apprenticeship, along with concurrent tracks for dental practice managers and orthodontic therapists, has been developed to enhance recruitment and retention within the dental nurse workforce.
This not only serves as a means for career progression but also contributes to optimising resource allocation within the field. A total of seven oral health practitioner apprentices have now qualified for proficiently providing care and treatment to patients alongside dentists.
Because of its innovative approach, this programme stands as the sole formal qualification of its kind. Its curriculum not only places significant emphasis on oral health education and promotion but also underscores the intricate interconnections between systemic health and oral well-being. This emphasis aligns with the ethos of the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan, which places a primary focus on proactive investment in preventive measures.
The inaugural group of apprentices originates from dental practices and salaried services across the Thames Valley and Wessex region.
Eligibility for participation in the oral health practitioner apprenticeship mandates registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a dental nurse. This criterion is essential as the programme incorporates a comprehensive range of supplementary skills pertinent to dental nursing.
The programme was meticulously delivered by a proficient team from the Workforce Training and Education Directorate of NHS England.
Michael Wheeler, Dental Workforce Advisor at NHS England and the course director, commented, "This apprenticeship signifies a notable advancement for dental practice owners and salaried dental services, equipping them with a more proficient workforce to enable flexible commissioning at the local level, particularly concerning the delivery of oral health education and promotion."
He also highlighted the promising avenues this apprenticeship opens up, stating, "The oral health practitioner apprenticeship lays a foundation for individuals to further their careers as dental hygienists and dental therapists. In fact, NHS England and the Institute of Apprenticeships and Technical Education are actively exploring the potential of introducing an apprenticeship route for these roles."
The successful completion of the initial batch's training marks a remarkable achievement not only for the apprentices themselves but also for the oral health education and practice in England. This initiative is expected to revolutionise dental care delivery and elevate the standards of oral health nationwide.
