Small Employer of the Year

The Dinnington and High Green Dental Practices believe Apprenticeships training is the oxygen that energises all aspects of their organisation. Principal dentist Margaret Naylor said: “As a dental practice we try to achieve the highest standards of care for our patients. Not only should staff be adequately trained, their skills should be continuously upgraded and developed as new technology and advances in dental science arrive –Apprenticeships are a great way to do this.”

The practice employs 37 members of staff, eight of whom are apprentices. Significantly, all their managers and deputy managers began their careers as apprentices. A dedicated nursing manager supports new apprentices and ensures regular cooperation and feedback between the practice and Sheffield College.

The apprentices play a crucial role in improving oral health in an area which has a high rate of dental disease. Margaret commented: “Dental healthcare is evolving and change can be difficult for staff. The Dinnington Dental Practice has to achieve targets set by the Primary Care Trust, and properly trained staff can rise to the challenge.”

Margaret continued: “We believe that good training raises the standard of the service we offer our patients and increases the effectiveness of our workforce. Motivated and trained staff are more reliable, will take less sickleave and will be willing to take on more responsibility.”

The impact of the Apprenticeship programme also extends beyond the actual training – many staff have used their Advanced Apprenticeships as a springboard and gone on to achieve further diplomas or degrees in the NHS. As Margaret said: “We have a policy of training apprentices not only for the present job but for their future potential.”

The Dinnington Dental Practice is a finalist in the Small Employer of the Year category at the national Apprenticeship Awards 2007.