People, Partnerships and Performance: supporting success in dental nursing apprenticeships
People, Partnerships and Performance: supporting success in dental nursing apprenticeships
Behind every successful apprenticeship is a partnership.
The modern apprenticeship in dental nursing is built on close collaboration between apprentices, employers and educators at NES.
NES educators emphasise the importance of holistic support throughout the learner journey. The programme includes a range of assessment methods designed to evaluate both clinical competence and underpinning knowledge.
Structured 13-week online progress reviews bring together the apprentice, their employer and an NES educator. These conversations provide space to reflect on achievements, review workplace performance and agree short-term goals. They also support the development of core and meta-skills that are essential for working in modern dental practice.
One educator described the approach as learner-centred and collaborative:
“Through close collaboration between employers and NES, we provide continuous support. By working in partnership, we can ensure each apprentice is empowered to achieve their full potential and has a positive learning experience with successful outcomes.”
This focus on people, partnership and performance ensures that apprentices are not only prepared for registration with the General Dental Council, but also equipped for long-term career development within Scotland’s dental workforce.
Scottish Apprenticeship Week is a moment to recognise that apprenticeships are not simply qualifications. They are an investment in people, in services and in Scotland’s future.
Contact: corpcomms@nes.scot.nhs.uk
March, 06 2026