{"id":2532,"date":"2026-04-16T12:55:07","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T12:55:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mft.nhs.uk\/dental\/?page_id=2532"},"modified":"2026-04-16T13:11:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:11:00","slug":"level-4-oral-health-practitioner-apprentice","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mft.nhs.uk\/dental\/level-4-oral-health-practitioner-apprentice\/","title":{"rendered":"Level 4 Oral Health Practitioner Apprentice"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=””]<\/p>\n

\n
\n
\n

OHPs work autonomously, providing direct patient care and a wide range of preventive oral health preventative procedures which can involve working in the patient\u2019s mouth.<\/p>\n

The role complements other dental professionals, positioned above dental nurses but below dental hygienists, therapists, or dentists. Working under the direction of a registered clinician, OHPs carry out dental bacterial plaque indices and debris assessments, apply fluoride varnish, take impressions and clinical photographs, assist with oral health prevention, advice and guidance. They also maintain clinical environments, carry out infection prevention and control, prepare, mix and handle biomaterials.<\/p>\n

OHPs often work alone in the community, delivering oral health education and advice to, for example, pregnant and nursing families, early years groups, primary and secondary schools, care homes and care at home situations, mental health settings, in hospitals, primary and secondary care or other healthcare settings.<\/p>\n

They also provide general health screenings, including blood pressure checks and\/or diabetes monitoring in the form of finger-prick blood samples.<\/p>\n

This pathway builds on existing clinical experience, enabling dental nurses and other GDC-registered professionals to practice autonomously within their scope of practice, under referral or guidance from dentists, hygienists, or therapists.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column]

\n
\n
\n
\n \n
\n \"Arrow\"\n <\/div>\n

Course content, delivery and qualification structure<\/h3>\n <\/a>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n

You will be working towards the Oral Health Practitioner Apprenticeship Standard Level 4. For the purposes of this programme and any associated documentation, you shall be formally designated as an \u2018apprentice\u2019 throughout the duration of the programme.<\/p>\n

The programme is designed to develop the required Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours (KSBs) needed to successfully achieve the qualification and demonstrate competence in the role.<\/p>\n

The course duration is 14 months. Study days shall encompass all theoretical instruction and practical training required to meet the programme curriculum. Delivery will be via a blended learning model, comprising face-to-face workshops and online sessions delivered through Microsoft Teams.<\/p>\n

Accordingly, you are required to have access to a suitable electronic device equipped with a camera and microphone.<\/p>\n

Learning will not always be delivered by the education provider\/ the school. It will also take place within your workplace, where you will enhance your knowledge, skills and behaviours in line with the practical aspects of the course requirements.<\/p>\n

Progress will be monitored throughout the course, with tripartite reviews every 12 weeks to keep you and your employer informed of your progress. The timetable for study days and activities will be shared during the pre-interview.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>

\n \n
\n \"Arrow\"\n <\/div>\n

The Team who delivers the qualification<\/h3>\n <\/a>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n

The team responsible for delivering this qualification is occupationally competent and comprises professionals who are registered with the GDC and who possess extensive experience within the relevant field. All members of the delivery team are appropriately qualified to support both the academic and practical elements of the programme and are fully committed to supporting apprentices to successfully achieve the requirements of the qualification.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>

\n \n
\n \"Arrow\"\n <\/div>\n

Entry<\/h3>\n <\/a>\n\n
\n <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n

To be eligible for the course you must:<\/p>\n