Employer FAQs -how can we help you?
We understand that bringing an apprentice into your dental team is an important decision – and having clear, reliable information is essential.
That’s why we’ve compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions from employers, so you can feel confident and well-informed throughout the process.
Whether you’re new to apprenticeships or expanding your team, Tempdent is here to support you every step of the way.
General questions about employing apprentices
What are the benefits of hiring a dental apprentice?
Hiring a dental apprentice is a cost-effective way to introduce fresh, committed talent into your practice. Apprentices learn on the job, adapting to your specific systems and workflows, making them valuable team members who understand your practice from the inside out. Tempdent offers a complimentary recruitment service to help match pre-screened apprentice Dental Nurse candidates to your needs, saving you time and avoiding costly recruitment fees.
Financially, employers benefit from reduced National Insurance contributions for apprentices under 25, and additional pension savings when hiring 16–21-year-olds -offering up to 18% in total savings.
Apprenticeships are also government-funded, with 100% funding available for 16–21-year-olds and potential levy funding for those aged 22+, subject to eligibility. Plus, practices receive a £1,000 government incentive for each 16–18-year-old apprentice hired.
How do I employ a dental apprentice?
Tempdent offers a quick, easy, and stress-free solution to help you recruit the right dental apprentice for your practice. Our complimentary apprenticeship recruitment service is designed to connect you with suitable candidates efficiently, handling everything from job promotion and applicant screening to interview coordination and enrolment. We recruit apprentices for the Level 3 Dental Nurse Apprenticeship, and our six-step process ensures a smooth onboarding experience.
Once you provide your job description and DAS details, we promote your vacancy, shortlist candidates, and arrange interviews. After you select your preferred candidate, Tempdent manages the enrolment and delivers a Foundation Induction Programme (FIP) to prepare your new apprentice for success. From there, the apprenticeship officially begins, with ongoing support from our team throughout the journey.
Contact our team to find your next apprentice
What are my responsibilities as an employer?
As the employer, your role is vital in supporting your apprentice throughout their training. You’ll need to assign a GDC-registered mentor to your apprentice for the duration of the course and attend their enrolment appointment to help set them up for success.
It’s important to ensure your apprentice attends 100% of live workshops and exams, and that you allocate regular time for them to meet with their Tempdent Tutor Assessor for progress reviews and support.
You should also provide opportunities for your apprentice to gain experience across the full range of dental treatments required for their qualification. Regularly checking their progress and staying in contact with their Tutor Assessor will help ensure they stay on track.
Discussing the level of support your apprentice may need from the outset will help create a positive and productive learning environment within your practice.
Are all apprentices school leavers?
Not at all – that’s a common misconception. Apprenticeships in dentistry are open to anyone aged 16 and over, including career changers, returners to work, and those already employed in dental practices who want to upskill. In fact, in 2019/20, nearly 47% of apprenticeships were started by individuals aged 25 or over, showing that apprenticeships are a valuable pathway for people at all stages of their career.
Apprentice recruitment
How much does it cost to recruit an apprentice Dental Nurse?
Tempdent’s Dental Nurse apprenticeship recruitment service is complimentary. However, if a recruited learner transfers to another training provider, a fee of 15% of the trainee’s annual salary will be applied. (Calculated on the Minimum Apprenticeship Wage)
What is the age range of candidates?
A. Candidates will be 16+ (we can specify 18+ if the role requires). There is no upper age limit on apprenticeships and we accept applicants from all ages.
How is the apprentice selected?
The apprentice is selected by you, according to your practice needs. Tempdent will advertise, shortlist and book interviews for your role, however the hiring decision always remains with you.
How many apprentices can I recruit?
As many as you like. There must be appropriate support in place for each apprentice.
How do I know if my vacancy is competitive in the marketplace?
Once you have identified your requirements, our recruitment team will contact the practice to discuss the role in detail. We also provide guidance on the average apprenticeship wage by level and sector. Taking into account your practice’s location and the typical calibre of applicants, we will give you a realistic overview of what to expect.
Will I have to do anything different from a contractual perspective?
No, from a contractual perspective an apprentice should be treated the same as any other employee. However, their job title must clearly state that they are an apprentice and the fact that they will be studying toward a qualification should be mentioned in the contract.
Who pays the apprentice?
You are responsible for paying the apprentice from the first day of their employment.
How much do I need to pay the apprentice?
An apprentice should be paid at least the apprentice national minimum wage (https://www.gov.uk/nationalminimum-wage-rates). We suggest that you pay equal to or greater than the sector average (that will be provided). Or in line with the salary for other employees in similar roles.
What incentives are in place?
If an apprentice is aged between 16-18 at the time of enrolment, you will be eligible for a £1,000 cash incentive for employing an apprentice
Costs and payments
How much does the apprenticeship cost?
The apprenticeship programmes are supported by government funding, making them a cost-effective way to grow talent within your business.
Levy-paying employers:
If your organisation has an annual payroll over £3 million the full course fee will be funded directly from your apprenticeship levy pot via your digital account. If your levy funds are fully used, you can access co-investment, with the government covering 95% of the course cost and your business contributing just 5%.
Non-Levy Paying Employers (SMEs)
If your annual payroll is under £3 million, apprentices aged 16–21 are fully government funded – no cost to your business. Apprentices aged 22 and over require a 5% employer contribution, while the government funds the remaining 95%.
Specific course fees for each apprenticeship can be found on the apprenticeship information pages here.
How much do I need to pay my apprentice?
You must pay your apprentice at least the National Minimum Wage for their age and year of training. Rates are updated annually, so make sure to stay informed on the latest figures.
| NMW rate 1 April 2025 | |
| National Living Wage (21 and over) | £12.21 |
| 18-20 Year Old Rate | £10.00 |
| 16-17 Year Old Rate | £7.55 |
| Apprentice Rate | £7.55 |
Do I need to pay National Insurance contributions?
Employers may not need to pay Class 1 National Insurance contributions for apprentices under the age of 25. The apprentice will still contribute, but you as an employer could benefit from this reduction. For more details, refer to HMRC’s guidance.
Employee rights and entitlements
Q. Are dental apprentices entitled to holidays?
A: Yes. Dental apprentices are entitled to the same employment terms as other team members in comparable roles within the practice. This includes paid holiday leave, sick pay, and any additional benefits offered to your dental staff.
Q: What happens when the apprenticeship ends?
A: Dental apprenticeships are a great way to develop skilled professionals who understand the unique needs of your practice. Once an apprentice completes their programme, many dental employers choose to offer them a permanent role within the team. Apprentices can also progress to higher-level dental apprenticeships or post-registration training – such as dental nursing specialisms or radiography – allowing them to continue growing their career while adding even more value to your practice.
View all of our apprenticeships here.
View our post-registration courses here.
Training and development
Who provides the training?
Training for dental apprentices must be delivered by an approved provider like Tempdent. Our programmes are delivered by a dedicated team of expert Tutor and Workplace Assessors – most of whom have hands-on experience working in clinical dental practice before becoming educators.
Will an apprentice need any off-site training?
All training for the Level 3 Dental Nurse and the Level 4 Dental Practice Manager apprenticeships is completed within your dental practice. During the Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner apprenticeship, in-person clinical skills labs take place four times during the apprenticeship, where your apprentice will be required to attend for a day of in-person training each time.
Dental Practice Managers – Invest in you
Lead with confidence by gaining a recognised qualification through our Level 4 Dental Practice Management apprenticeship. Covering every aspect of your demanding role.