Building careers in Dentistry: National Apprenticeship Week 2026
Today marks the start of National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) 2026, running from 9th –15th February, a nationwide celebration of the positive impact apprenticeships have on people, workplaces and the wider skills landscape. This week shines a light on how apprenticeships help individuals build their careers, support employers to grow strong teams, and develop the skills needed across the UK workforce.
This year’s theme, Skills for Life, focuses on how apprenticeships equip people with long-lasting knowledge, hands-on experience and clear opportunities to progress. For dental practices, this means supporting a confident, capable and future-ready team, something that remains essential across the profession.
As a leading specialist in dental training and recruitment, Tempdent is proud to champion NAW and celebrate the important role dental apprenticeships play in shaping the future of our sector. We’re committed to developing skilled, confident dental professionals who make a real difference in practice. With tailored learning journeys, strong sector knowledge and supportive Tutor Assessors, we help apprentices grow and give employers the tools to build successful, future-ready dental teams, supporting your journey to dental excellence.
Daily Themes for NAW 2026
Each day during National Apprenticeship Week has its own focus:
- Monday – Skills for Life
- Tuesday – Employer Tuesday
- Wednesday – Apprentice Wednesday
- Thursday – T Level Thursday
- Friday – Celebration Friday
- Saturday & Sunday – The NAW Weekender
Why apprenticeships matter in dentistry
The dental sector continues to face ongoing demand for knowledgeable, confident team members, and apprenticeships play a vital role in meeting these needs. They offer a clear entry route into dentistry for new starters, while giving existing employees the chance to develop new skills and progress within their roles.
At Tempdent, we deliver high-quality dental apprenticeships from Level 3 to Level 4, including Dental Nursing and Oral Health pathways. Each programme is designed to build strong clinical skills, industry understanding and professional confidence. With experienced Turot Assessors, specialist support and flexible learning options, you gain the tools you need to grow your skills and thrive in your role.
For practices, apprenticeships help build reliable teams, improve staff retention and create a pipeline of future talent; supporting long-term stability and continued quality of care for patients.
Celebrating NAW 2026 with Tempdent
Throughout NAW26, we’ll be recognising the achievements of our apprentices, dental teams and employer partners across the UK. We’ll be sharing stories, videos, blogs and helpful insights across our channels to highlight the important contribution apprenticeships make in dentistry.
How You Can Get Involved
Stay Connected on Social Media
Follow Tempdent on social media throughout the week to see inspiring apprentice journeys and insight from our employer partners. Join the conversation using #NAW2026 and #SkillsForLife.
You can find us on:
Celebrate your apprentices
National Apprenticeship Week is the perfect moment to recognise and appreciate the apprentices who are developing their Skills for Life through dental apprenticeships. Here are a few ways you can celebrate them:
- Share Success Stories: Highlight your apprentices’ journeys with stories or case studies that show the positive impact they’re having in your practice.
- Send Congratulations: A simple message or shout-out can go a long way in acknowledging their hard work, progress and dedication.
- Create a Digital Hall of Success: Share your apprentices’ photos and achievements on your website or social channels, giving them space to reflect on their experiences and proud moments.
These small actions help boost confidence and celebrate the important role apprentices play in supporting your team and delivering excellent patient care.
Champion dental apprenticeships
If you employ apprentices, NAW is a great opportunity to highlight the positive impact they’ve had in your practice. You might share how apprentices have supported team development, improved day-to-day operations, or strengthened your workforce for the future.
For those considering hiring an apprentice, this week is a useful moment to explore how apprenticeship training can help shape a skilled, motivated and future-focused dental team.
Make a pledge
Show your commitment to developing dental talent by making a pledge to support apprenticeships. This could include taking on a new apprentice, investing in staff development or exploring progression routes for your existing team. Your pledge helps demonstrate your dedication to building a strong and skilled dental workforce.
Building Skills for Life, together
National Apprenticeship Week highlights the essential role apprenticeships play across dentistry. At Tempdent, we’re proud to support apprentices at every stage of their journey and help practices build the confident, capable teams they need.
We look forward to celebrating NAW 2026 with you and recognising the talent, ambition and hard work that shape the future of dental care.