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Skills 4 Pharmacy; Harry Stoke; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Job summary

Skills 4 Pharmacy is offering a Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3) for aspiring dental technicians. The role focuses on receiving prescriptions, learning CAD/CAM workflows, and producing dental appliances under supervision.

You will gain hands-on experience across fixed/removable prosthodontics, materials, and digital dentistry while training toward GDC registration. You will follow established safety procedures, maintain records, and progress through the education pathway with a

Qualifications

• GCSEs in Maths, English and Science at grade 4-9 or equivalent.
• Interest in dental laboratory technology and patient care.
• Commitment to supervision and learning under GDC standards.

Responsibilities

• Receive and register dental laboratory prescriptions and work.
• Check prescriptions, impressions, models, and scans for accuracy.
• Identify unclear or unsafe prescriptions and escalate concerns.
• Prepare and organise laboratory work following lab workflow.
• Develop practical skills in model and appliance production.
• Assist with manufacture, finishing, and quality control of dental appliances.
• Learn to manage workflow, priorities and deadlines.
• Maintain laboratory records and traceability.
• Prepare completed work for quality control and dispatch.

Skills

Interest in dental care

Confidentiality handling

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Organisation & time management

Multi-tasking

Calm under pressure

Professionalism

Education

GCSEs Maths English Science (grades 4-9)

Tools

CAD software

Job description

Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Dental Laboratory Apprentice – Level 3 Dental Technician

Job Title: Dental Laboratory Apprentice – Level 3 Dental Technician

Reports to: Laboratory Manager / Clinical Dental Technician / Senior Dental Technician

Apprenticeship: Level 3 Dental Technician

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

• 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

• 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.

2. Dental Materials Science and Processing

• 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.
• Finishing and polishing materials.
• Material handling, storage and processing requirements.

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

3. Digital Dental Technology and CAD/CAM

• Understanding digital prescriptions and laboratory records.
• Receiving and managing intraoral scan data.
• Introduction to CAD software.
• 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.

4. Oral Anatomy, Occlusion and Biomechanics

• Basic oral and dental anatomy.
• Maxillary and mandibular relationships.
• Occlusion and articulation.
• The relationship between appliance design and function.

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

5. Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics

• Study and working models.
• Denture-related laboratory procedures.
• Partial and complete removable appliances.
• Occlusal rims and related laboratory stages.
• 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.

6. Health, Safety and Infection Prevention and Control

• 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.

7. Communication and Teamwork

• 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.
• Participate effectively in team meetings and laboratory discussions.
• Communicate professionally with colleagues, clinicians and suppliers.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Develop professional workplace behaviours.

8. Ethics, Law and Professional Practice

• The role and responsibilities of a Dental Technician.
• GDC standards and professional expectations.
• Scope of practice.
• Consent and prescription requirements.
• Equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Duty of candour and professional accountability.
• The importance of working within competence.
• The responsibilities associated with GDC registration.

The apprentice must not undertake work beyond their training, competence or level of supervision.

9. Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance

• Following documented laboratory procedures.
• Checking work against prescriptions and specifications.
• Recording errors, defects and corrective actions.
• Maintaining traceability of materials and laboratory work.
• Participating in audits where appropriate.
• Understanding the importance of medical-device and laboratory compliance.
• Ensuring completed work is only released in accordance with laboratory procedures.

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Learning and Development

The apprentice will be supported to achieve the required knowledge, skills and professional behaviours through a combination of:

• Structured workplace training.
• Off-the-job learning.
• College/training-provider education.
• Regular reviews with the training provider and employer.
• Supervised progression through laboratory departments.

The apprentice will maintain an appropriate record/log of training and development, with progress reviewed and signed off by the designated supervisor as required.

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Core Learning Areas

The apprenticeship will cover the following core areas:

• Dental Laboratory Practice and Appliance Production Workflow
• Dental Materials Science and Processing Techniques
• Digital Dental Technology and CAD/CAM Workflows
• Oral Anatomy, Occlusion and Biomechanics
• Health, Safety, Infection Control and Emergency Preparedness
• Communication and Teamwork in Dental Practice
• Ethics, Law and Professional Practice
• Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
• Core Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics

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.
• 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.