Diploma in Dental Nursing

Course Overview

Our Diploma in Dental Nursing, accredited by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN), provides the essential training to work confidently in the dental profession. Fully regulated by Ofqual (England) and CCEA (Northern Ireland), it meets every requirement of the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework. On completion, you will be eligible to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) and begin a respected, rewarding career as a Dental Nurse. The course combines classroom learning with hands-on experience in a dental practice, building the skills and confidence to work effectively with patients and dental teams. The NEBDN Diploma also carries UCAS points, supporting progression to higher education and career advancement within the dental sector.

Who is it suitable for?

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry qualifications but students are expected to be educated to good GCSE level or equivalent and have a good command of English language. Students are not admitted under the age of 18.

What qualities are required to succeed as a Dental Nurse?

A good Dental Nurse will be well-organised with an eye for detail and be confident in dealing with members of the public. A caring outlook is required along with the ability to work as part of a team while exercising initiative when required.

What prior experience do I need?

Many of our successful Dental Nurses join the course with little or no prior work experience. Others are looking for a change of career and a background of working in a people-facing environment such as retail, transport/tourism or hospitality (for example) is particularly useful.

How is this qualification structured?

The course covers the NEBDN syllabus and includes those areas of knowledge and understanding which a dental nurse needs to develop in order to be able to practise competently.

The course also provides extensive preparation for the practical part of the exam (OSCE), and support with preparing the required Record of Experience (RoE).

Work experience is an essential part of the course and where students are not already part of a Dental Practice the School will assist the student in finding employment.

How is the course assessed?

The NEBDN examination is in two parts and you will need to pass Part 1 before you can take Part 2.

To be awarded this qualification, learners must pass the NEBDN written examination consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and extended matching questions (EMQs). This is followed up by a practical examination consisting of a series of objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).We provide all the learning resources you need to succeed along with expert tuition. Our students have an outstanding record of success in the examinations.

Work experience: All students are required to gain work experience in a Dental Practice. This can be your current practice or the School will assist you in finding a suitable employment if you are new to the dental profession. During the course of your study your tutor may visit you at your practice to provide support and advice.

How long will it take to complete this qualification?

12 – 18 Months.

Do you need to be working to take this qualification?

As noted above learners will need to be working in a Dental Practice with a full-time or part-time employment contract in place, and enrolled on the Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing course to enable them to show competence in both knowledge and practical skills.

What related qualifications can you progress to?

The Diploma opens up an exciting range of opportunities to gain level 4 or 5 qualifications in:

• Dental sedation
• Dental radiography
• Dental technology
• Oral health education
• Special care dental nursing
• Orthodontic nursing
• Dental practice management.

Career opportunities

On completion of this qualification, learners may progress into employment as a Dental Nurse or onto other career pathways (with additional entry qualifications), including:

• Dental Hygienist
• Dental Therapist
• Orthodontic Therapist
• Laboratory Technician
• Dentist
• Senior Nurse
• Practice Manager
• Tutor
• Teacher and Assessor of trainee Dental Nurses.

Funding for this qualification

As this course requires paid employment the course fees can be paid from the salary you receive while you are learning.  It is also the case that many Dental Practices support students with funding. An instalment plan is available to spread the cost with affordable payments. Students therefore qualify without accumulating student debt.

How to apply

In order to secure a place on the course and start learning you need to take the following steps:

a- Sign up online

b- Provide the necessary documents as specified

c- Make an initial Payment.

Need more information?

More information about the School of Dental Nursing can be found on this website and interested applicants are always welcome to contact us via our online enquiry form below, by telephone – 0208 993 4500 or via email – dental@schoolofdentalnursing.com to our friendly administrative team.

Related Course: Diploma in Dental Nursing Online

The course covers the NEBDN syllabus and includes those areas of knowledge and understanding which a dental nurse needs to develop in order to be able to practice competently. These include:

The course also provides extensive preparation for the practical part of the new exam (OSCE), and support with preparing the required Record of Experience. 

There are no formal entry qualifications, but students are expected to be sufficiently fluent in both written and spoken English to communicate effectively with patients, their relatives, the dental team, and other healthcare professionals in the UK. Additionally, learners must meet the following requirements: