Apprentice

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 will develop competence in the complete laboratory workflow, including:

• 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.

The apprentice will develop knowledge and practical understanding of dental materials, including:

• Gypsum products and model materials.
• Acrylic and polymer-based materials.
• Dental waxes.
• Metals and metal alloys where applicable.
• Ceramics and related materials.
• Impression and duplicating materials.
• CAD/CAM materials.
• Finishing and polishing materials.
• Material handling, storage and processing requirements.

The apprentice will learn to:

• Select materials appropriate to the prescribed appliance and laboratory process.
• Follow manufacturers' instructions.
• Use materials safely and correctly.
• Recognise common processing defects.
• Investigate and report faults.
• Minimise waste and material contamination.
• Maintain appropriate storage and stock-control procedures.

The apprentice will develop practical skills in modern digital dental workflows, including:

• Understanding digital prescriptions and laboratory records.
• Receiving and managing intraoral scan data.
• Basic digital model handling.
• Introduction to CAD software.
• Designing dental appliances under supervision.
• Understanding digital occlusion.
• Preparing files for manufacturing.
• Introduction to milling, printing and other digital manufacturing processes.
• Understanding the relationship between digital design and physical manufacture.
• Maintaining digital records and file traceability.
• Following laboratory procedures for data security and confidentiality.

The apprentice will develop knowledge of:

• Basic oral and dental anatomy.
• Tooth morphology.
• Dental terminology.
• Maxillary and mandibular relationships.
• Occlusion and articulation.
• Jaw movements.
• Basic biomechanics.
• The relationship between appliance design and function.

This knowledge will be applied to the design and manufacture of dental appliances under appropriate supervision.

The apprentice will develop foundational practical skills in:

• Study and working models.
• Model preparation.
• Denture-related laboratory procedures.
• Partial and complete removable appliances.
• Occlusal rims and related laboratory stages.
• Acrylic appliance construction.
• Finishing and polishing.
• Basic fixed prosthodontic laboratory procedures.
• Crowns and bridges where included within the learner's programme and scope of training.
• Appliance repair and modification.
• Quality checking completed work.

The apprentice will only undertake procedures for which they have received appropriate training and supervision.

The apprentice will:

• Complete the laboratory's formal induction before undertaking laboratory duties.
• Follow all health and safety procedures.
• Follow infection prevention and control procedures.
• Correctly use PPE.
• Handle contaminated laboratory items according to established procedures.
• Maintain clean and safe work areas.
• Use laboratory equipment safely.
• Follow COSHH and chemical safety procedures where applicable.
• Report accidents, incidents, near misses and hazards.
• Understand emergency procedures and evacuation arrangements.
• Participate in relevant emergency preparedness training.
• Follow procedures for the safe disposal of laboratory waste.

The GDC specifically expects induction for trainee dental technicians to cover patient safety and confidentiality, infection control, safeguarding and medical emergencies.

The apprentice will:

• Communicate professionally with dental technicians, dentists, clinical dental technicians and other members of the dental team.
• Follow written and digital laboratory prescriptions.
• Seek clarification where instructions are unclear.
• Report problems promptly.
• Participate effectively in team meetings and laboratory discussions.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality.
• Communicate…