Yeovil College Announces Launch of Dental Technology Apprenticeship at Ivoclar Headquarters in Leicester

Dental employers are cordially invited to join us at Ivoclar Leicester for an event hosted by Yeovil College, where they will learn all about innovative Digital Dental provision, from the UK leader. This event will include two hours of free CPD. The involvement of employers is crucial to the development and delivery of this trail-blazing programme.

In response to discussions with the dental industry, encouragement from NHS England, and recognition of challenges such as an aging workforce and a lack of necessary skills and training, Yeovil College has developed a comprehensive plan for dental apprenticeships. After consulting with dental technicians, industry bodies, educational establishments, and laboratory owners, the college proudly launched the Laboratory Technician Level 3 apprenticeship almost two years ago. Since conception, the programme has thrived, with the first apprentices now undertaking their End Point Assessment. The group will be the first in the country to achieve.

Last year, Yeovil College also introduced a prestigious Foundation Degree in Dental Technician Level 5 apprenticeship, which is registerable with the GDC, and they are currently developing a Level 6 full BSc.

Apprenticeships are employer-led training programmes that combine workplace training with college support to provide apprentices with the relevant knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed to progress in their chosen industry.

The Laboratory Technician Level 3 standard is suitable for both existing laboratory staff with no formal dental technician training and new recruits to the industry. It covers:

Digital design and manufacturing

Anatomy, materials science, and science

Conventional manufacturing

Professionalism, regulation, and safe working practices

Design and manufacture of devices safe for patients

Communication within a dental team.

Currently, the Dental Technology course is delivered from the Yeovil College campus in Somerset, using a blended delivery model of face-to-face and remote online sessions. Due to regional demand, the college plan to start a cohort for Laboratory Technician Level 3 at Ivoclar in Leicester for the 2024-2025 academic year, using the same blended model.

The NHS is supporting these courses with transferred levy funds, meaning there will be no course fees for employers or students.

Employers are invited to attend an Employer Engagement event to learn more about how their own labs can benefit from apprenticeship training and to confirm your support for the regional cohort. The event will take place on Monday, 8th July, 18:30 – 20:30 at the Ivoclar, Compass Building, Feldspar Close, Leicester LE19 4SD.