Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship Level 4

Overview

Oral Health Practitioners have a high degree of autonomy and are responsible for working directly with patients, performing a range of oral health preventive procedures involving working in a patient's mouth.The Oral Health Practitioner role complements the role of other dental professionals and fits in the dental career structure at a higher level than a dental nurse but below a dental hygienist, hygienist/therapist or dentist. Working in the direction of a dentist, you will take dental bacterial plaque indices and debris scores, apply fluoride varnish, take clinical photographs, take impressions and carry out tooth brushing in the patient’s mouth. You will prepare and maintain the clinical environment, carry out infection control and prevention procedures, and prepare, mix and handle bio-materials. The apprenticeship covers all aspects of the clinical responsibilities and duties that are carried out by an oral health practitioner.

What is covered on the course?

The apprentice will be expected to complete the units below:

• Personal and Professional Development
• Legislation, policies and procedures
• The clinical environment
• Patient-centred care
• Clinical knowledge
• Health systems and population health
• Application of clinical knowledge
• Preventative oral health and problem-solving
• Referral and escalation
• Health screening and medical emergencies
• Communication and motivation
• Oral and general health improvement
• Community interventions

The individual will also work towards Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English, if applicable.

Key info

Course duration

13 months with up to 3 months EPA.

Entry requirements

To become an Oral Health Practitioner, you must already be a dental nurse or other appropriate registered dental care professional with the General Dental Council.

The apprentice must be at least 16 years old and will be required to undertake a DBS check. They must also be employed, working more than 16 hours per week and have good levels of literacy and numeracy.

End Point Assessment (EPA)

End Point Assessment is the period of time when all assessment decisions are validated.

Your grades are not final until confirmed at End Point Assessment. Once your evidence has been quality assured you will have direct liason with the General Dental Council when they will confirm your suitability for registration.

The End Point assessment is independent of Aspiration Training and tests the learner's knowledge, skills and behaviours that they have learned throughout the course. The EPA consists of three main parts:

• A 60-minute synoptic assessment of 40 multiple-choice questions
• Practical observation followed by a 30-minute Q&A session
• Professional discussion

Synoptic assessment
The examination is a synoptic assessment which is based on the knowledge accrued through the qualification and assessed during the portfolio of evidence. This test is multiple choice, with one mark for each question. This is an on-demand exam and will be sat as part of the End Point Assessment process.

Practical observation
The practical observation will be pre-planned and scheduled for when the apprentice will be in their normal place of work and will be carried out by the End Point Assessor. The observation should enable the apprentice to evidence their skills, knowledge and behaviours from across the standard to demonstrate genuine and demanding work objectives. This cannot be simulated or staged and must last for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 2 hours.

Professional discussion
This assessment will take the form of a professional discussion structured to draw out the best of the apprentice’s competence and excellence. It will focus on analysing given scenarios via scenario-based questions to ensure coverage of prior learning or activity. The discussion will take place at the employer’s premises.

The learner’s grades are not final until confirmed at the End Point Assessment.

Qualifications

Upon successful completion of this apprenticeship, the apprentice will be awarded the following:

Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner Standard
Functional Skills in Maths and English level 1 or 2 (as appropriate)

This is the first time we have used Aspirations Training, and it has been a very thorough process for our trainee nurse. I know the coach is only an email or phone call away should we need any help. I would recommend Aspiration Training for future learners.

Rachael Wharam Practice Manager

I’m so glad that I chose Aspiration Training for my Dental Nursing apprenticeship. Their quality of teaching is top-notch, and they aim to be as flexible as possible around your own working schedule and personal life.

Matthew Wood Dental Apprentice

What happens after my apprenticeship?

At Aspiration Training, we provide every learner with a career pathway. This is a plan with clear, practical steps our learners can take to achieve the career of their dreams.

Our career pathways show typical routes through the various stages of learning, the knowledge and skills that will be learnt along the way and the career options that may be available as a result.

Career Progression is available across a number of levels, meaning, with hard work and determination, the sky is the limit.

Explore the pathways below to find out more about the typical job titles associated with each career.

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