CAITLIN Etheridge, a dental nurse based at Danadd Davies Dental Practice in Caernarfon, has become the first to complete a new “Dental All Wales Qualification”.

Busnes@LlandrilloMenai is the first training provider to deliver the new dental nurse apprenticeship which was developed collaboratively with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, Bangor University and awarding body Agored Cymru.

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The new qualification makes it possible for individuals wishing to study dental nursing to do so in Welsh.

It’s part of a wider drive to provide Welsh medium education, to protect Welsh-speaking communities and to provide a future Welsh-speaking workforce.

Amy Thomas, apprenticeship manager for health and social care, said: “We are over the moon that the first of the ‘All Wales’ dental nurses has passed her apprenticeship qualification with flying colours!

“There’s no doubt that Caitlin Etheridge, who completed her apprenticeship with Danadd Davies Dental Practice in Caernarfon, is the first of many dental nurses who will train with us.

“We currently have 36 individuals undertaking their apprenticeship with us and we plan to steadily expand delivery inline with increasing demand for quality work-based training in dental nursing.

“There is a waiting list, such is the demand!”

Nicola Jones, dental nurse assessor, added: “Dental nursing has changed and developed a great deal in recent years and the new qualification reflects this modern and flexible way of working while strengthening relationships through the medium of Welsh.

“As the lead assessor for this qualification, I have developed my own skills and practice in dentistry.

“My role as an assessor allows me to develop others and watch them transform, grow and develop into confident practitioners.”

Dental nurses completing the qualification are entitled to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) and are as such granted licence to practise.