Questions to ask when partnering with a new apprenticeship training provider

Louise Constable, Senior Business Development Manager, Tempdent

Hiring a new dental apprentice or enrolling a current team member onto an apprenticeship can be a game changer for your dental practice. It’s a great way to build skills, develop your team, and secure the future of your business. But success starts with choosing the right training provider.

A strong partnership with a trusted provider means your apprentices get the support they need to thrive -  and your practice sees real results. So before you commit, here are four key questions you should ask to make sure you’re making the best choice.

1. What is your Ofsted grade?

Ofsted inspection results are a straightforward way to assess the quality of a training provider. Providers rated Grade 1 (Outstanding) or Grade 2 (Good) demonstrate strong, reliable performance. If a provider holds a Grade 3 (Requires Improvement) or lower, it’s a clear sign they need to make changes to meet expected standards. Always ask to see their latest report to understand where they stand.

2. Which corporate accounts do you support?

Reputable training providers often work with well-known employers across the dental sector. If a provider has built trusted relationships with many corporate clients, it shows they consistently deliver quality training. This kind of industry recognition is a solid indicator that the provider can meet your practice’s needs too.

3. What are your assessor caseloads?

How many apprentices does each assessor manage? This matters because it directly affects the amount of attention and support your apprentices receive. Ideally, caseloads should be kept to around 40–45 learners per assessor. If numbers are much higher—50 or 60 or more—it risks delayed feedback, reduced guidance, and can impact your apprentices’ success.

4. What is your Qualification Achievement Rate (QAR)?

QAR shows the percentage of apprentices who successfully complete their qualifications. A high QAR means a provider has a strong track record of supporting learners all the way to completion. When evaluating providers, ask for their current figures and compare them to the national average (60.5% as at June 2025). This will give you insight into how well they deliver on their promises.

Why Tempdent is the trusted choice for dental practices

At Tempdent, we know dental education inside and out. With over 28 years’ experience, we’re proud to be a market leader in dental apprenticeships and training.

• Ofsted-Rated Good - Our consistent quality has been recognised through a long-standing Good rating.
• Low Assessor Caseloads - We carefully forecast learner intake and recruit top assessors, so each apprentice gets the personalised support they deserve.
• Outstanding QAR - Our achievement rates are 82.8%, that’s over 30% above the industry average, reflecting our commitment to learner success.
• Trusted by Corporate Leaders - Many of the biggest names in the dental sector choose Tempdent as their preferred training provider, including our most recent partnership with Mydentist.

When you partner with Tempdent, you’re not just hiring a training provider. You’re gaining a dedicated team focused on your practice’s development and your apprentices’ futures.

Ready to build a stronger dental team?

Whether you’re looking to hire new dental apprentices or support your existing team with development opportunities, Tempdent can help you make it happen.

Get in touch today to learn more or book a call with one of our friendly team. Your journey to dental excellence starts here.