Jade Whitfield shares her journey as a trainee dental nurse and the power that apprenticeships can have in dentistry.
Behind every smile is a team and, for many dental professionals, that journey starts with an apprenticeship. National Apprenticeship Week (9-15 February) is a chance to recognise the opportunities apprenticeships offer and the difference they can make.
In dentistry, apprenticeships aren’t just a training route, they build confidence, skills and careers that last. For practices, they bring fresh energy and a sustainable talent pipeline. While for learners, they open doors to a profession that makes a real difference every day.
For Jade Whitfield, a 25-year-old dental nurse at Bupa Dental Care Morecambe, it was the beginning of a journey that shaped not only her skills but also her confidence and future in dentistry.
My journey into dentistry
Every career has a starting point – for me, that first step was a dental apprenticeship. I wanted a role where I could help people and learn practical skills, but balancing study with real-world experience felt daunting. Looking back, I can honestly say it was the best decision I’ve made – for my career and my confidence.
Walking into the practice on my first day, I felt nervous but excited. I was greeted by a team who made me feel welcome straight away. From day one, I was learning by doing – assisting with procedures, preparing the surgery, and understanding how a busy practice runs. Each day brought something new, whether mastering clinical techniques, learning about patient care, or building the confidence to speak up and ask questions.
It wasn’t just about technical skills. I learned how to communicate with patients, manage my time, and work as part of a team.
Why I chose an apprenticeship
Choosing an apprenticeship offered the perfect balance – earning while learning and allowed me to qualify in as little as 18 months.
Working in practice accelerates learning in a way classroom study can’t. The responsibility and pace of a real dental environment push you to grow quickly, and you’re surrounded by experienced colleagues who are always supporting you.
One of my proudest achievements was seeing my confidence soar. I didn’t just gain technical skills, I developed strong communication and interpersonal abilities and became confident speaking to patients independently. These experiences shaped me into a professional who can adapt to different situations and dentists and patient needs with ease.
Completing my apprenticeship gave me solid foundations from day one: knowledge, practical skills, and valuable connections. Apprenticeships combine practical experience with structured coursework, creating a pathway that works for everyone, especially adults looking to retrain without sacrificing financial stability.
If you’re considering an apprenticeship, my advice is simple: go for it.
Support that makes a difference
One of the biggest reasons my apprenticeship worked so well was the support I received. My mentor guided me, answered questions and encouraged me when things felt challenging. The whole team played a part; everyone shared their knowledge, gave me space to learn and celebrated my progress along the way.
At Bupa Dental Care, apprenticeships aren’t just about ticking boxes – they’re about helping people grow. There’s a clear structure, plenty of resources, and real opportunities to progress. Knowing that there’s a pathway beyond the apprenticeship gave me a sense of security and motivation.
Why apprenticeships matter for practices
From my experience, apprenticeships don’t just benefit learners, they make a real difference to practices too. Having apprentices in the team brings fresh ideas and enthusiasm. It creates a culture of learning, where everyone shares knowledge and supports each other. It’s a brilliant way to build a strong, skilled workforce for the future.
Looking ahead
Now that I’ve qualified and am working as a trainee dental nurse, I feel proud of what I’ve achieved. I’ve built skills, gained experience, and found a career that truly matters to me.
Commitment at Bupa Dental Care
At Bupa Dental Care, investing in our people is a priority. Apprenticeship programmes provide structured training, mentorship and clear career pathways. Last year alone, 188 dental nursing apprentices achieved their qualification, helping them take their first steps into a profession that changes lives, shaping individual futures and the dental profession as a whole.
Discover over 200 apprenticeship opportunities across roles such as dental nursing and oral health practitioners. Learn more at Bupa Dental Care apprentices, Bupa Dental Careers.
This article is sponsored by Bupa Dental Care.
