Additional
| Apprenticeship | Dental Practice Manager |
|---|---|
| Education Provider | PMA |
| Location | Online |
Dental Practice Manager (Level 4)
The Practice Manager is responsible for managing all non-clinical aspects within a specified practice/s to achieve excellent patient care, quality, cost and delivery performance in line with practice strategy, goals and values. The Practice Manager leads the team by providing support and direction to enhance performance, skills and knowledge of all practice staff.
Duration
21 months
21 months
Most Suitable For
Those wanting to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a Dental Practice Manager.
Those wanting to develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours to become a Dental Practice Manager.
Award
Level 4 Dental Practice Manager Higher Apprenticeship Award and ILM Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management
Level 4 Dental Practice Manager Higher Apprenticeship Award and ILM Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management
Programme Cost
£9,000.
Tuition fee financial support options, and how to apply for most of these, are detailed in our Apprenticeships Process Employer Guide. Please note the following important changes to apprenticeship tuition fee funding options, for August 2026-July 2027 intakes:
- For non-levy paying employers (most SMEs): the tuition fee will now be 100% gov funded if the candidate is aged 16-24 (or turning 16 June-August 2026). The education provider will advise employer how to secure this during programme application stage. For level 2-6 programmes if candidate is aged 25 or over, both the levy transfer (100% funds) and co-investment (95% funds) options will continue to be available for employers to apply for.
- For levy-paying employers: for all level 2-6 programmes, for both apprentices already on programme and future intakes, the co-investment option has changed to 25% employer contribution and 75% gov contribution. However, for future applications, the levy transfer option (100% funds) will continue to be available for employers to apply for.
Additional Funding
- Employer incentives for apprenticeships starting between August 2026-July 2027 (see here for full details):
- £1,000 if apprentice is aged 16-18 (or turning 16 June-August 2026); or aged between 19-24 and has either an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan provided by their local authority and/or has been, or are, in the care of their local authority.
- £2,000 for non-levy paying employers only (typically SMEs) if recruit person(s) aged 16-24 (or turning 16 June-August 2026) on to an apprenticeship programme from October 2026, as long as the employment only starts within 90 days before the intake start date.
- £3,000 Youth Jobs Grant - Employer may be able to apply for this if recruits an unemployed person(s) aged 18-24 who has been on universal credit for over 6 months. Full details are available here.
- Employer may not have to pay Class 1 Employer National Insurance if apprentice is under the age of 25. Full details are available here.
Start Date
This will be determined at application stage
This will be determined at application stage
Teaching Delivery
Online
Online
Key Learning Requirements
Apprenticeships require learners to achieve specific new knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs), which are detailed in the Apprenticeship Standard. These are achieved by;
1) Programme Teaching; online sessions once a week and online resources, plus one-to-one coaching. During the apprenticeship, PMA apprentices also get free student PMA membership; which includes access to additional guidance, online resources and workshops.*
2) Independent study; such as assignment/project research and write up.
3) Learning in the workplace; shadowing colleagues, completing programme assigned work based projects, day-to-day development within your current role duties/work activities, reflections with mentor, relevant training sessions.
*There may be additional learning requirements and/or assessment for the ILM, but this is to be confirmed. Please therefore ensure to discuss this with the training provider during the application process.
Modules
This programme has fixed module delivery (you are unable to choose the modules studied). A list of modules is available on the course webpage or course materials.
This programme has fixed module delivery (you are unable to choose the modules studied). A list of modules is available on the course webpage or course materials.
Placements
This programme does not require external placements to be completed, although varied experiences are beneficial.
This programme does not require external placements to be completed, although varied experiences are beneficial.
Assessments
Assessed throughout the programme by assignments, observations, evaluations and End Point Assessment. There may be additional learning requirements and/or assessment for the ILM, but this is to be confirmed. Please therefore ensure to discuss this with the training provider during the application process.
Assessed throughout the programme by assignments, observations, evaluations and End Point Assessment. There may be additional learning requirements and/or assessment for the ILM, but this is to be confirmed. Please therefore ensure to discuss this with the training provider during the application process.
Key Candidate Entry Requirements
• Employed 30 hours or more per week for the duration of the apprenticeship. The apprenticeship duration may be extended to support staff who work less than this (will be looked at on individual basis)
• Preferably, evidence of English and Maths at GCSE C/4 or above /Functional Skills Level 2 / Equivalent. If the candidate does not have evidence of Maths and English at the relevant level, the Training Provider will support the learner through the relevant learning and exams, alongside their apprenticeship. An initial diagnostic assessment will be completed by the Training Provider at application stage to determine suitability for this option.
Full requirements and details are found on the course webpage/information.
Key Employer Entry Requirements
• Ensure Learner has the support and opportunities to achieve the requirements of the apprenticeship
• Line Manager to mentor the apprentice.
Listed as an Approved Provider under an NHS Procurement
Yes
Yes
Application Timescale
- It takes on average 2 – 3 months to complete all application stages for this programme.
- If recruiting to this position, additional time will be required for recruitment and advertising stages.
Pathway
On successful completion of this apprenticeship, examples of further apprenticeship options include; Improvement Leader, Chartered Manager, Project Manager, Senior Leader. The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) has an interactive occupational maps tool which shows the variety of progression pathways using apprenticeships.
Career progression does not have to be linear. Entry criteria may differ per provider and even more varied routes may be available depending on the individuals prior learning and experience.
Information Last Updated
05/09/2025
05/09/2025
Further Programme and Provider Information
If you would like to know anything further about the programme itself, please contact: Stacey Chapman, Head of Business Operations on 01625 917558, 0330 111 6459, 07802 735238, [email protected]
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for an apprenticeship programme - either for yourself, a member of staff, or a vacancy position - please complete our apprenticeship form. This form is for Primary Care Employers within Lancashire and South Cumbria only.
By completing the form, the Training Hub Apprenticeships Team will be able to complete basic pre-checks, provide you with personalised guidance, and start the programme application process for you. If you would like to discuss anything first, please email [email protected] or call Olivia, Apprenticeships Manager, on 07735161775. You can find out about the stages of applying for an apprenticeship within our Apprenticeships Process (Employer Guide).
