Advanced Diploma in Dental Nursing

Please note: this course has several starting dates throughout the year. Learners can apply for this course at anytime. It has a roll on and roll off start and end date as the course is not completed in the classroom.

This is a recognised competency-based course providing you with the ability to gain knowledge and understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a dental nurse and to enable you to perform various tasks and procedures in your dental setting.

You will be assigned a personal tutor  and assessor throughout your course, and you must be working in a dental setting to apply. You will be observed on a regular basis in your setting to complete the practical side of the portfolio. The theory aspects are covered by tutorials, assignments and professional discussions, all of which are completed using our online portfolio.

There is a final exam to achieve the qualification, which is sat here at the College and upon successful completion of your portfolio you will be able to register with the General Dental Council.

You will undertake 11 mandatory units examples of which are listed below:

• First aid
• Roles and responsibilities of a dental nurse
• Radiography
• Health and safety
• Prepare and maintain the clinical environment
• Provide chairside support for non-surgical endodontic treatment
• Principles of infection control
• Provide information and support to patients on their oral health
• Provide chairside support for the extraction of teeth and minor oral surgery.

Career options and progression: You can progress to further courses in dental radiography, dental nursing sedation, and oral health, or to university level study.

Firstly, you must be working in a dental or hospital setting and have completed a DBS/CRB check for your employer. To be a dental nurse you will need to have some vaccinations including Hep B, this is a mandatory requirement, and your employers should help you with this.

You will need excellent communication and organisation skills and be motivated to learn.

At your College interview you will meet your tutor, assessor and complete a skills scan.

A GCSE grade C is desirable in Maths and English.

You will have full use of the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) at the College and access to computers and resources when needed.

You will need to purchase a text book – approximately £30.