NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN DENTAL NURSING
The NEBDN accredited National Diploma in Dental Nursing is a General Dental Council (GDC) recognised dental nursing qualification which covers all outcomes described within the GDC Preparing to Practice document.
Dental Nursing at a Glance
A summary of the qualification’s purpose, intended learners, and the training format
Purpose of Qualification
This qualification is designed to provide trainee Dental Nurses with essential dental nursing skills, foundational knowledge, and professional qualities needed to meet the highest standards of practice and care in the dental industry.
Entry Requirements
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Minimum age: 16
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Legally permitted to work in the UK
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Minimum level of English and Mathematical proficiency
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Required vaccinations
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Access to a computer with internet connectivity
Class delivery
Classes are led by experienced tutors and are currently delivered online through the Microsoft Teams platform.
Next Class Dates & Fees
Next Class
9 June 2025 - Wednesday Evening​​ 7.30-9pm
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Course Pricing
Tuition Fee: £1250
NEBDN Fees: £525
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Payment Details
NEBDN fees
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Must be paid in full by 20 June 2025
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College Fees – Flexible Payment Plan
£250 deposit before the course begins followed by ten monthly instalments of £100​
Assessment
The NEBDN qualification is structured around a formative workplace assessment, where practical skills are developed and the Record of Experience (RoE) is completed, followed by a summative assessment to evaluate knowledge and competence through a written exam and online OSCEs.
Formative Workplace Assessment
As part of your training, you'll complete an online Record of Experience (RoE) – a structured portfolio that helps you track your progress and reflect on your learning. This is a key part of the course and supports your development while you train on the job.
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To meet the course requirements, you’ll:
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Work in a dental practice as a trainee dental nurse for a minimum of 16 hours per week
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Attend regular classes as per your course timetable
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Be supported by a mentor or supervisor who will guide you, give feedback, and help you complete your RoE
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Before you can sit the final NEBDN written exam, you’ll need to:
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Complete your RoE by the given deadline
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Pass a mock exam set by your training provider
If these steps aren’t met in time, your exam entry will be deferred and your course may be extended by up to six months. (Training centre and NEBDN fees may apply.)
Summative Assessment
The NEBDN summative assessment, comes at the end of your dental nurse training and is designed to evaluate both your knowledge and decision-making skills. This final stage ensures that you’re fully prepared to step into your role as a qualified dental nurse.
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The assessment includes two parts:
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A written exam that tests your understanding of core topics
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A practical exam, also known as OSCEs (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations)
Once you pass the written exam, you’ll automatically progress to the OSCEs. These are currently conducted online in two stages:
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A 1-hour workbook-based assessment completed using the Maxexam App, featuring 7 scenario-based questions
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A 40-minute live Zoom session, where you’ll be asked to explain how you would respond to different practical situations, demonstrating your clinical knowledge and communication skills
If you don’t pass the OSCEs on your first attempt, you’ll have another opportunity to retake the exam after six months. (Additional NEBDN and training centre fees apply.)
Modules
1
Professionalism and the role of the dental nurse
Learn the core duties of a dental nurse, with a focus on ethics, professionalism, and compliance with dental regulations and policies.​
2
Health and safety
Understand how to identify and manage risks in the dental setting, following current legislation, policies, and best practices.
3
Dealing with medical emergencies
Learn how to respond effectively in emergency situations and understand the dental team's role in providing appropriate support.
4
General, dental, and regional anatomy
Gain a clear understanding of general, dental, and regional anatomy and how it relates to patient care and treatment planning.
5
Oral disease
Understand common oral diseases, including oral cancer, and their impact on the health and function of the oral cavity.
6
Prevention of oral disease
Learn how to prepare the dental environment and assist the dental team during a range of preventative treatments.
7
Assessment
​Develop skills in preparing the dental environment, supporting oral health assessments, and assisting with dental imaging while ensuring confidentiality and compliance with current legislation and best practice.
8
Restorative dentistry
Learn how to prepare the dental environment and assist both the patient and operator during restorative dental procedures.
9
Child dental health
Learn how to prepare the dental environment and assist during restorative and orthodontic procedures for children, while developing effective patient management and communication techniques tailored to young patients.
10
Minor oral surgery
​Learn to prepare the dental environment and assist during minor oral surgery, while developing effective patient management and communication techniques.
11
Pain and anxiety control
Learn to prepare the dental environment and assist during pain and anxiety control procedures, while developing effective patient management and communication techniques.
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