New dental course to put Preston smiles ahead

Training provider, Training 2000, has teamed up with the Skills for Health Academy North West, in a bid to combat a shortfall in trained dental nurses in and around Preston.

The new dental cadet programme aims to train people from the area and it is hoped they will then find jobs in the same locality.

It is due to launch in March 2011 and the application process is now live.

It is the first time that Training 2000 and the Skills for Health Academy have worked together.

Cadets on the 12-month course will complete a six-week induction, then spend one day per week at Training 2000’s premises, and four days per week on placement at a local dental surgery.

Training 2000’s team leader for dental, Gail Warburton, says: ‘All dental nurses now have to be trained and registered with the General Dental Council and Preston has been identified as having a shortage.

‘This programme will help to develop a highly skilled local workforce, bringing the training to where it is needed. In the first year we will have a cohort of 15 cadets who will be supported by both Training 2000 and the Skills for Health Academy to achieve their professional qualification.

‘Training 2000 currently trains 240 dental nurses across the North West, mainly in the Cumbria and Pennine Lancashire areas, and this will enhance our offering in central Lancashire.’

Deborah Holden, cadet co-ordinator from the Skills for Health Academy, says: ‘The great thing about this course is that there is no upper age limit, so we can work with successful applicants from age 16 upwards.

‘We focus on enhancing the cadets’ learning experiences, so we also offer Functional skills and encourage learners to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and help raise money for the Academy’s annual charity. We also arrange and support all cadet work placements and help them to find a job once they are registered.’

To apply for the course, visit www.skillsacademyforhealth.org.uk, call Deborah on 07920 500146 or apply through Connexions.

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