Level 3 Dental Nursing Diploma Overview

---

Dental Nurse Learner / Apprenticeship Overview: 

The role of a dental nurse compliments the role of the dentist and other dental professionals. Providing chair side support to dental professionals and delivering a high level of patient care is a key part of the dental nurse's role.

Dental nurses can work in a variety of different clinical environments and the Dental Nurse Apprenticeship covers all aspects of the clinical responsibilities required. The apprentice will be trained to gain the relevant qualification to apply to the General Dental Council (GDC) for professional registration as a dental nurse.

Dental nurses are registered as professionals and have to work within the standards defined by the GDC Scope of Practice document. Further duties will include chair side support, clinical hygiene, administration and reception support along with clinical hygiene.

The knowledge you will acquire:

• First Aid essentials
• Reducing the risk to health & safety in the dental setting 
• The role and responsibilities of a dental nurse 
• Prepare and maintain environments, instruments and equipment for clinical dental procedures 
• Provide chairside support for the assessment of patients' oral health
• Contribute to the production of dental images
• Provide chairside support for the prevention and control of periodontal disease, caries and the restoration of cavities 
• Provide chairside support for the provision of fixed and removable prostheses
• Provide chairside support for non-surgical endodontic treatment
• Provide chairside support for the extraction of teeth and minor oral surgery 
• Provide information and support to individuals on the protection of their oral health 

 You will also be required to sit four online examination units assessed externally by City & Guilds

• Principles of infection control in the dental environment  
• Assessment of oral health and treatment planning 
• Dental radiography 
• Management of oral health diseases and dental procedures 

Varying methods of assessment for evidence will be used. 
Upon completion of your Level 3 Diploma, you will be eligible to register with the GDC.
For further details please email us at enquiries@academyofdentalnursing.com 

To become a trainee Dental Nurse you need to do 2 things

Firstly, you need to gain employment at a dental practice as a trainee. You can do this by sending your CV to local dental practices or looking on line for employment.

Secondly, you need to enrol on a dental nursing course to assist you in gaining a qualification to become a qualified nurse. There are plenty of  options available and it is important that you choose the right course for you. 

One option is an apprenticeship. This means your course would be paid for (£6,000) and you would be paid an apprenticeship wage by your employer for the first year (currently £3.90 per hour). After a year you would be paid national minimum wage.

Another option is to pay for the course yourself. If you pay for your own course you should be paid at least minimum wage until you qualify.

There are varied ways you can pay for your course. At the Academy of Dental Nursing we uniquely offer a pay as you go scheme. This means you would pay £105.00 per month  for your tutoring / lessons / support and assignments. We offer different packages to suit your circumstances and income. You can also pay for your course in advance or in 4 instalments. The total amount is £2500 for the City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing. 

In some practices your employer may pay for your course for you.

The course covers your tutor, your assessor, all of your assignments, portfolio of evidence, examinations and support. There are no extra hidden costs. You should qualify in between 18 - 24 months.