Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)
| Company: | Skills 4 Pharmacy |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £16,640 to £16,640 a year |
| Hours: | Full-time |
| Location: | Stoke, ST4 1AT |
| Job type: | Apprenticeship |
| Posting date: | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Closing date: | 21 Nov 2026 |
Summary
Dental Laboratory Apprentice – Level 3 Dental Technician
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Dental Technician
Employment Type: Apprenticeship / Full-time
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
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.
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
Advancing Within Dental Nursing:
- 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.
Specialisation Opportunities:
- 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.
Apprenticeship Duration
12 Months
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