Skills4Dental is an NEBDN-accredited Provider and an affiliate of the British Association of Dental Nurses (BADN). We offer a City & Guilds-approved Dental Nursing Practitioner Diploma, taught by a team of expert, General Dental Council (GDC) registered tutors. Our tutors are dedicated to guiding and supporting learners throughout their journey toward certification.
Hayleigh, Business Development Manager
What’s my role and team?
I’m Hayleigh Melnick, Business Development Manager, part of our amazing team here at Skills4Dental. We are dedicated to connecting talented individuals with fantastic Dental Nurse apprenticeship opportunities and ensuring employers have the right people to grow their practices.
What do I enjoy most about my job?
For me, it’s the people. I love building relationships, understanding what employers need, and finding the perfect match in a candidate who’s passionate about their new career. There’s nothing better than seeing an apprentice flourish because of a connection you helped make, hence why I have been in the industry for nearly 20 years!
How do I support our employers and learners?
I work closely with dental practices to understand their staffing needs and pain points, guiding them through every step of the recruitment and apprenticeship process. For learners, I make sure they feel supported, informed, and confident from the moment they apply right through to completion.
An achievement I’m proud of?
Helping multiple practices fill hard-to-recruit roles with brilliant apprentices who are now valued, long-term members of the team. Seeing those learners gain their qualifications and knowing I played a part in their journey is incredibly rewarding. I work with a Practice Manager now, part of a large group of practices, who I personally placed as a Trainee Dental Nurse many years ago! Achievements and progressions like this make this job so special.
What inspires me at work?
It’s knowing that every placement has a real impact. For the learner, it’s a career opportunity; For the employer, it’s a skilled team member; And for patients, it’s better care. That ripple effect is what keeps me motivated every day.
Advice I’d share:
When you invest in people through training, trust, and guidance, the returns are always worth it. Apprenticeships are not just about filling a role; they’re about building the future of your business.
If you’re a dental practice looking for your next team member or someone curious about a dental nursing apprenticeship, I’d love to connect.
Steph, Business Development Executive
What’s my role and team?
I’m Steph Aitken, and I’m the Business Development Executive at Skills4Dental. My role focuses on connecting with dental practices, understanding their needs, and helping them grow through high-quality apprenticeship programmes. I work closely with both employers and learners to make sure everyone has the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed.
What do I enjoy most about my job?
What I enjoy most is being part of the journey, watching a dental practice thrive because of the talent we help bring in, and seeing our learners transform from nervous beginners into confident, qualified dental nurses. It’s so rewarding to witness their personal and professional growth, and to know that I’ve played a part in creating those opportunities.
How do I support our employers and learners?
For employers, I take the time to break down the apprenticeship process into clear, manageable steps so it feels less overwhelming. I work alongside them to identify their needs and help them find the right solutions that will support business growth. For learners, I offer guidance, encouragement, and practical advice, drawing from my own experiences in the dental sector. I aim to ensure both sides feel supported every step of the way.
An achievement I’m proud of?
I’m proud of the further qualifications I’ve gained within the dental field, as they’ve given me a deeper understanding of the industry. These qualifications allow me to offer learners valuable career insights and show them the many different directions their training can take them, whether that’s specialising in a certain area, progressing into management, or branching into related healthcare roles.
What inspires me at work?
Seeing people succeed is my biggest motivator, whether that’s a learner passing their final exam or an employer telling me how much their new apprentice has contributed to the team. Growth, both personal and professional, inspires me every day. It’s those moments of progress that make my role so meaningful.
Advice I’d share:
Dental nursing is a career full of potential, offering a variety of pathways for advancement and specialisation. For employers, taking on an apprentice isn’t just about training someone new — it’s about investing in the future of your practice. Apprentices bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn, which can have a real and lasting impact on the success of a dental business.
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about our Level 3 Dental Nursing Practitioner Diploma or Dental Team Leader Apprenticeship programmes, you can visit our website www.skills4dental.co.uk