Everything you need to know about a dental nursing diploma
Introduction
There is only one dental nursing diploma option in the UK, that is the National Diploma in Dental Nursing, accredited by the National Examination Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN). The qualification is also approved by the General Dental Council (GDC). Once a student has completed the National Diploma in Dental Nursing, they become eligible to apply for registration with the GDC, thus fully qualifying as a Dental Nurse; all practicing dental nurses in the UK must have GDC registration.
What are the entry requirements for a dental nursing diploma?
There are no formal entry qualifications but students are expected have a good command of English language. In addition, students must already be employed as a Trainee Dental Nurse within a dental practice working a minimum of 16 hours per week to enrol onto the National Diploma in Dental Nursing course at Infills Academy, an accredited provider.
Students are not admitted under the age of 18.
How is the course behind a dental nursing diploma structured?
The National Diploma in Dental Nursing course is governed by the NEBDN syllabus which covers all areas of knowledge and understanding a dental nurse needs to develop in order to be able to practise competently. It is structured is as follows:
5 online modules
End of modules tests
Quarterly reviews with allocated tutor
The required Record Of Experience (ROE) to be completed via Pebblepad with the support of allocated tutor
Final NEBDN test in two parts
The National Diploma in Dental Nursing course provides extensive preparation for both parts of the final exam (written and the practical part of the exam, OSCE), This incudes mock papers, practice sessions and mandatory preparation sessions to practice the exam itself.
How is a dental nursing diploma assessed?
The National Diploma in Dental Nursing is assessed per module. You need to pass all 5 end of module tests to assess knowledge, while also completing your ROE having it signed off by your witness so that your tutor may assess competence too.
The final NEBDN examination is in two parts. Learners must pass the NEBDN written examination consisting of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and extended matching questions (EMQs) before they can proceed to part two, a practical examination consisting of a series of objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs).
How long does it take to complete a dental nursing diploma?
12 – 18 Months.
Do you need to be working in a practice to start a dental nursing diploma?
Yes, learners need to be working in a Dental Practice, that can on a full-time or part-time basis, with an employment contract in place.
What related qualifications can you progress to after you complete a dental nursing diploma?
The Diploma opens up an exciting range of opportunities to gain post-registration qualifications in:
What career opportunities are available after completion of a dental nursing diploma?
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.
Can I get funding for a dental nursing diploma?
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 possible that the Dental Practice you work for can support you with funding. At Infills Academy, your course fees can be paid via an instalment plan meaning students can obtain their qualification without accumulating student debt.
How to apply for a dental nursing diploma at Infills Academy
In order to secure a place on the National Diploma in Dental Nursing with us, you need to take the following steps:
Complete application forms
Provide the necessary documents as specified in confirmation email
Need more information?
More information about Infills Academy can be found on this website and interested applicants are always welcome to contact us via our online enquiry form.