Member Article

Dental practice smiling after quadruple apprenticeship success

Yarm-based private dental practice, Enhance Dental Care, is celebrating after successfully recruiting their fourth apprentice, following full-time appointments for the previous three.

The company, which provides cosmetic, non-NHS treatments and general dentistry, has welcomed their latest apprentice, Rachel Hinley, 17, as a Trainee Dental Nurse.

Rachel’s appointment brings the total number of apprenticeships by the independent dentist to four, with each undergoing a rigorous training and study course before taking up full-time positions at the practice. The student, recruited via Shape Training, will be guided by Senior Dental Nurse Laura Latimer, who began her career as Enhance Dental’s first apprentice a decade ago.

Thanks to a big government push, and with data by the National Statistic Office showing a 14.5% increase in apprenticeship starts and an 8% rise in participation, their popularity has never been greater.

Enhance Dental Care’s Managing Director, Peter Farrage, isn’t shocked by the growing appetite for the training schemes: “For me, the biggest surprise about apprenticeships is that they aren’t more popular! As well as being a great opportunity for young people looking to step on the career ladder, they are relatively low risk and low cost for employers too.

“As a small practice offering a bespoke range of services and products, apprenticeships offer us a great opportunity to train our staff specifically to the needs of our patients and practice. They are also a great way to help people hone skills, allowing them to grow in ability and confidence.”

Speaking about her appointment, Rachel said: “I’m delighted to be starting work at Enhance Dental. Everyone is very friendly, it’s a real family atmosphere. I love getting to know our patients and about the different treatments, especially the smile makeovers.

“It’s hugely reassuring to see the career progression of the other apprentices at Enhance. Knowing that I am earning a professional qualification, and potentially a full-time job, at the end of it is very exciting and really pushes me to give my best.”

Speaking about the benefits of her apprenticeship, Laura said: “I would absolutely recommend apprenticeships to others; I loved mine so much that I never left! The last 10 years has gone quickly but the learning hasn’t stopped. I have developed my knowledge, not to mention life skills and I’m delighted to now be working with Rachel, helping to bring on the next generation of staff at Enhance.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Enhance Dental Care .