Health & Social Care

This Level 4 Certificate in Higher Education is available to unregistered students who wish to pursue a career in dental nursing. It provides you with a balanced programme of theoretical and clinical study. It is aimed at those wishing to gain an academic qualification while providing support to the dental care professional and reassurance to patients in our newly established dental department with its state-of-the-art facilities.

The role of a dental nurse includes:

• providing reassurance and support to patients
• preparing and maintaining the clinical environment
• providing a high standard of cross infection control
• assisting with taking and processing dental radiographs
• preparing instruments, materials, medicaments and equipment
• recording assessments spoken by the dental team
• assisting the dental team throughout all aspects of dentistry.

What you study

You undertake a modular course, designed to run over one academic year. You study four modules, three of which are shared modules with student dental hygiene-therapists. These modules are designed to introduce you to dentistry and provide you with the theory which underpins the clinical aspect of the course. Research methods and study skills are introduced in the first few weeks; this provides a sound basis to ensure maintenance of continuing professional development. The fourth module is exclusive to this course and has been designed for you to learn and develop practical skills specific to your profession. Throughout the course you focus on dental health, communication and the prevention of dental disease. Public health and oral health promotion are fundamental to the role of a dental nurse.

How you learn

You spend 50% of the course gaining clinical skills, initially in the phantom head skills laboratory. After an intense two week induction and successfully passing a clinical assessment you will acquire your clinical skills within a dental practice placement. There is a diverse range of learning and teaching methods used during the course which includes lectures, seminars, e-learning, case studies and assignments. You are supported and given constructive feedback by personal tutors to ensure your learning experience is enjoyable.

How you are assessed

Assessments vary and reflect the learning outcomes of the different modules. Emphasis is placed on practical skills and you are assessed through methods including oral and practical examinations and written assignments.

Professional accreditation

On successful completion of the course you can apply to register with the General Dental Council as a dental nurse.

Career opportunities

Opportunities are available for employment within NHS and private dental practices, hospitals and in the community. Once qualified you can work in the UK and overseas as a dental nurse. Successful completion gives you the opportunity to further your career if you wish and progress to study the BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy and various other career opportunities.

Entry requirements

You're expected to have four GCSEs (grade C or above) including science, English language and maths or Key Skills Level 2 in Communication and Application of Number (or equivalent). You also need 80 tariff points from A levels (or equivalent).

You must also

• show you've done some relevant study within the last five years


• provide an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau disclosure
• be aware you need to declare any convictions, cautions or allegations to the relevant professional body before you apply to register.

You'll be entitled to a non-means-tested bursary from the University, paid monthly based on your attendance.

Supporting information for applicants

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More information

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