National Apprenticeship Week, 9th - 15th February 2026

Our apprentices are gaining hands-on experience, developing valuable skills, and supporting patient care, all while working towards a recognised qualification. Their dedication and enthusiasm make a real difference every day.

A huge thank you to all of our apprentices, across dental nursing and the wider business, for your hard work and commitment.

Read more to get an insight into the experience of two of our Apprentice Dental Nurses at Coulsdon Dental Practice below...

Chantelle | Apprentice Dental Nurse at Coulsdon Dental Practice

What made you choose a dental nurse apprenticeship?

I chose a dental nurse apprenticeship because it allows me to learn in a hands-on way while gaining a recognised qualification and earning an income at the same time. I enjoy being able to work with people and working as part of a healthcare team.

Describe your apprenticeship in three words.

Educational, practical, rewarding 

What's been your biggest challenge so far?

I feel the biggest challenge has been navigating managing my time effectively in order to find a good work/life balance; balancing the academic side of the apprenticeship and the practical side of working in practice with my personal social  life

What achievement are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of my growth in confidence - communicating with not just patients but also colleagues.

Who's supported you most during your apprenticeship?

The dental team at my practice have been incredibly supportive by always showing support and encouragement, and taking time to teach and answer any questions I may have.

What advice would you give to a future apprentice?

Don't be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions as it's part of the learning process and necessary for growth.

What's next for you once you qualify?

Once I qualify, I intend to continue developing my skills and explore further training opportunities such as post-qualification courses or picking a specialism to move forward in.

Rebecca | Apprentice Dental Nurse at Coulsdon Dental Practice

What made you choose a dental nurse apprenticeship?

I chose a dental nurse apprenticeship because when I was in school I was more of a hands-on learner, so I always struggled sitting down for hours on end doing class assignments without actually having the opportunity to learn through practical learning. I knew I didn’t want to just sit in a classroom and then be expected to know everything once I qualified without any hands-on experience. I know I learn best by actually doing things, so being in practice every day made way more sense to me. I still remember feeling really nervous on my first few days, even just setting up rooms or passing instruments, but being around experienced nurses and dentists really helped me settle in quickly and most definitely eased my nerves. I liked that the apprenticeship gradually eased me into the role instead of rushing me and that I could learn at my own pace while still gaining independence. It also felt good knowing I was building real-life skills, earning a qualification that I had genuine interests in and growing my confidence at the same time.

Describe your apprenticeship in three words.

Challenging, rewarding, motivating.

What’s been your biggest challenge so far?

Balancing work, studying, exams and assignments has definitely been the hardest part and can feel overwhelming at times. Some days are really busy in practice, and you still need to go home and revise or complete coursework. Learning all the regulations, cross-infection control and clinical procedures at the same time can feel overwhelming, but it does get easier with time, and the team I am surrounded by couldn’t be any more of a perfect support system. 

What achievement are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of how much my confidence has grown. When I first started, everything was so new to me and felt really intimidating. I would often doubt myself and become quite frustrated because I felt as though I wasn’t learning quickly enough or I was somehow not good enough for the role. However, once I realised that the only way to learn and grow is to make mistakes and learn from them, I honestly believe that realisation changed my mindset during this apprenticeship completely. I remember not to be too hard on myself but on the other hand still put in as much effort as possible. Now I can support treatments, communicate better with patients, and understand procedures properly without any guidance or support. I also understand the important regulations and standards we must follow to ensure safety and care for not only patients but also for our team at the practice. Seeing my progress and knowing I’ve earned it through hard work means a lot to me, and I feel proud because I am seeing my hard work pay off.

Who’s supported you most during your apprenticeship?

My practice team has been a huge support system for me in a number of ways. More specifically, the nurses and dentists who take the time to explain things and help me learn without making me feel embarrassed or anxious. My assessor and manager have also been really supportive because they have guided me throughout this process and have always been there when I need someone to confide in about my experience. My family, of course, have been amazing, and I could not have asked for a better support system.

What advice would you give to a future apprentice?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, don’t compare yourself to others, and as long as you learn from your mistakes, you are growing by the second. Everyone learns at a different pace, so it’s really important to just stay focused on your own progress and not overwhelm yourself by comparing your skills to nurses that have more experience. Stay organised, keep on top of your coursework, and remember that it’s okay to make mistakes; that’s how you learn.

What’s next for you once you qualify?

Once I qualify, I’d like to continue developing my skills as a dental nurse and gain more experience in different areas of dentistry. In the future, I’d love to progress further, possibly into post-qualifications or a specialised role.

Join our team

We are grateful for the dedication of all our apprentices and look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow in their careers. If you're interested in joining our team, visit our careers page to explore opportunities available at Rodericks Dental Partners.