If you run an independent dental practice, then from 1 August 2026, the financial barrier to hiring an apprentice or training an existing member of staff disappears.
The government is expanding 100% funding for apprentices aged up to 24 at non-levy-paying employers. For most independent dental practices, that means the training costs for a new dental nurse apprentice drop to zero.
What Are the Apprenticeship Funding Changes from 1 August 2026
Under the Apprenticeship Funding Rules 2026 to 2027, the age threshold for non-levy employer co-investment increases from 21 to 24.
Non-levy employers (businesses with a payroll under £3 million) will no longer pay the 5% co-investment fee for apprentices aged 16 to 24 at the start of their training.
The government pays 100% of training and assessment costs up to the funding band maximum.
You still pay the apprentice's wage (as you would any employee), but the qualification itself costs your practice nothing.
This applies to new apprenticeship starts from 1 August 2026 onwards.
What the Apprenticeship Funding Changes Mean for Your Dental Practice
For most independent dental practices in England, this is a significant shift.
Before August 2026: Hiring a 22-year-old dental apprentice meant paying 5% of training costs out of pocket, plus the apprentice's wage, plus the time you spent on recruitment and onboarding.
After August 2026: The government covers the full training cost for apprentices aged 16-24, you just pay the wage. Skills4Dental handles the recruitment, screening, and paperwork.
Existing employees who start a new apprenticeship on or after 1 August 2026 can be funded under the new rules. Apprentices do not have to be new hires; current employees can undertake an apprenticeship if it provides substantial new skills and training.
Apprenticeship Funding: Apprenticeship vs. Agency
Recruitment
Comparison of the two paths to hiring a dental nurse from August 2026.
Agency Recruitment | Dental Apprenticeship |
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The apprentice path was already competitive. From August 2026, the removal of the 5% co-investment makes it unequivocally cheaper for smaller practices.
Does your Practice Qualify for the Apprenticeship Funding Changes?
To benefit from the August 2026 change, your practice must:
Be a non-levy paying employer (annual payroll under £3 million).
Hire an apprentice aged 16 to 24 at the start of their training.
Be based in England (apprenticeship funding is devolved).
Most independent dental practices meet all three criteria.
Next Steps
Check your eligibility by booking a 10-minute call with us via the link below to confirm whether your practice qualifies and what funding band applies to dental nursing apprenticeships.
Grow your own team. We can match you to pre-screened candidates now and enrol them in August, so you claim the 100% funding from day one.
If you have a candidate over the age of 24, speak to us as we have other funding options available, such as levy gifting.
Ready to Talk?
Skills4Dental is part of Skills4Group, an NEBDN-accredited training provider. We find, train, and place dental apprentices directly into independent practices across England.