Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship (Level 3)

Dental Laboratory Apprentice – Level 3 Dental Technician
Apprenticeship: Level 3 Dental Technician
Employment Type: Apprenticeship / Full-time
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
The apprentice will be expected to work in accordance with:
• 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
The apprentice will develop competence in the complete laboratory workflow, including:
• 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.