Dental Nursing - National Diploma for Dental Nurses

Awarded by the National Examining Board for Dental Nurses (NEBDN)

Part time only, 18 months

Awarded by The National Examining Board for Dental Nurses

The course

This programme provides a structured training programme working to a syllabus. You will be required to keep and submit a personal record of clinical experience before sitting your examinations. Assessments are carried out through a final written examination and an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). The theoretical element of the course is taught within the School of Dentistry. You will be expected to spend half a day per week completing blended learning materials or attending classes at Leeds Dental Institute. The practical element is delivered in your workplace.

During the 18-month training period you complete a record of experience to reflect the clinical experience and competence you have gained in assisting the operator during preventative treatments, cavity restorations, endodontics, fixed and removable prosthetics, oral surgery, dental assessments and dealing with appointment systems. This record of experience must be witnessed within your workplace.

Topics covered within the course include:

  • Health and safety
  • Infection control
  • Legal and ethical issues
  • Anatomy
  • Oral disease
  • Patient care
  • Oral health
  • Assessment and promotion
  • Restorative
  • Oral surgery
  • Orthodontic dentistry support
  • Dental drugs
  • Materials, instruments and equipment
  • Radiography
  • Communication.

Courses are delivered during normal working hours. There are no evening courses available.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be employed in a dental practice and working clinically, chair-side, for at least 22 hours per week. The support and permission of your employer to attend the course is required.

Trainee dental nurses will not be accepted onto a training course unless they have a General Dental Council (GDC) registered mentor supporting them within the working environment. This mentor must attend an induction session held by the course provider.

Mandatory Witness Training Programmes – the GDC requires the NEBDN to provide standardised training to all those involved in supporting the trainee dental nurse in the working environment. All witnesses must complete the NEBDN online training programme.

Workplace Visit Procedure – A workplace visit and observation will be completed for a trainee dental nurse during the completion of the ROE if a standardisation issue has been identified.

Applicants should be 16 years or over with a minimum of 2 GCSEs (C grade or above) in English Language and Maths.

All applicants for The National Diploma in Dental Nursing are expected to successfully complete a pre-enrolment assessment, including literacy and numeracy, prior to being offered a place on the course. Once you have completed the Diploma in Dental nursing and are registered with the GDC you can progress your career with one or more of the NEBDN  Post-Registration qualifications.

The School of Dental Nursing offers:

  • Certificate in Oral Health Education
  • Certificate in Dental Sedation Nursing
  • Certificate in Orthodontic Dental Nursing

Read about funding or contact Ellen Davison for more details.