This occupation is in the healthcare field, specifically dentistry. Dental nurses work in clinical settings such as NHS or private practices, hospitals, specialist clinics, community services, or military dental clinics. Their main role is to provide chairside support to dental professionals, ensuring high standards of cleanliness and infection control. Responsibilities include preparing instruments, materials, and medications, sterilising equipment, keeping records, managing stock, and ensuring patient comfort throughout their visit.

This is a level 1 aimed to provide an introduction to Further Education and the courses on offer. It comprises of core units that will prepare students for a level 2 qualification, pastoral units that will give students essential skills for personal development, and subject units to give an example of future courses. Other pathways include Engineering, Sport and Business.

This occupation is found in a wide range of organisations, including but not exclusively, chemical, primary and secondary pharmaceutical, biotechnology, formulated products, nuclear companies; and analytical science services, dental laboratories and educational establishments.

The broad purpose of the occupation is working at the forefront of technology to carry out both routine and one-off laboratory testing (and manufacturing where relevant) and perform a variety of technical support functions across the organisation.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with the laboratory manager and colleagues, internal departments such as manufacturing, procurement and quality, internal customers such as medical staff, teaching staff and students, external suppliers and customers such as service engineers, delivery drivers, regulatory bodies and inspection teams e.g. HSE.

Oral Health Practitioners operate with a high degree of autonomy, performing a variety of preventive oral health procedures, such as applying fluoride varnish, taking impressions, and conducting tooth brushing with patients. This role fits within the dental career structure above a dental nurse but below a dental hygienist or dentist, complementing the work of other dental professionals.

In addition to their clinical responsibilities, Oral Health Practitioners provide oral health education and preventive interventions to various community groups, including schools, care homes, and ante-natal groups. They are also involved in general health screenings, assessing conditions such as diabetes and blood pressure alongside oral health assessments to offer holistic care.

This is the course for someone who loves 'hands on' Science. It combines in-depth study of Biology, Chemistry and Physics, whilst developing core skills in English and Mathematics. You will spend most of your college time in laboratories, carrying out a variety of practical scientific investigations. It is an appropriate course for anyone wishing to pursue a career in any of the science industries and for those who wish to study Science at university. The course lasts for two years and the Extended Diploma is equivalent to three A Levels in Science.

The course provides the essential core of scientific knowledge and applied skills so that you will be able to progress to a Level 3 Applied Science qualification. This in turn will enable you to progress within a wide choice of Science-based allied career pathways, apprenticeships and/or employment.