Who is this course suitable for?
Those who are in – or about to start – employment as a trainee dental nurse.
Do students have to attend in person?
No. Interviews and teaching sessions are all online using Zoom.
What qualifications are needed to enrol?
No academic qualifications are needed, however, a good standard of English – spoken and literacy – is needed. If a certificate (such as GCSE) is not available, we will assess skills at the interview stage.
What happens at the interview?
We will explain the course and exam format and you will have an opportunity to ask questions. We will also discuss any support you would like, including for a disability, learning difficulty or other need.
What happens then?
Once a course place has been offered, we will send you and the employer the enrolment terms. Once the agreed fees are paid you will be registered with the NEBDN. This gives you access to the online coursework and secures your exam place.
What does the coursework involve?
During the first 6 months you will be compiling the online ‘Portfolio of Evidence’ (PoE) with evidence of your knowledge, skills and competency in the workplace. Approximately 5 hours weekly is needed and involves:
- answering set questions after carrying out research in topics related to dentistry and the dental nurse role
- submitting evidence of competency in the workplace such as photos of treatment set ups, copies of logs completed and patient feedback
- 16 workplace observations by a GDC registered staff member (a ‘Witness’) allocated by the workplace
- reflections on professional development
Course content
We follow the requirements of:
- NEBDN Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing Qualification Specification
- Learning outcomes from the GDC Safe Practitioner Framework for Dental Nurse education
Required topics
Unit 1. Professional Practice within the Dental Setting
Unit 2. Leading, Managing and Team Working within a Dental Setting
Unit 3. Communication in the Dental Setting
Unit 4. Inclusive Practice
Unit 5. Clinical and Technical Practice Assessment and Diagnosis of Patients
Unit 6. Clinical and Technical Practice – Treatment Planning and Onward Referring
Unit 7. Promoting Oral Health
Unit 8. Health and Wellbeing – Own and Others in the Team
Unit 9. Continued Professional Development
Unit 10. Respond to Risks and Medical Emergencies
What support is given to students with a disability or learning difficulty?
Adjustments and support needed for a disability, learning difficulty or other needs are discussed and planned at the interview stage and reviewed as needed. With the student’s permission, we can contact NEBDN to request adjustments for the exams such as breaks, extra time or a reader.
When are the NEBDN exams?
April / May course start – exams held the following April and June.
November / December course start – exams held the following November and January.
What is the exam format and what preparation do students have?
The 2 NEBDN exams are held online. The Knowledge Test must be achieved before the Professional Discussion can be entered.
Knowledge Test – April or November
– 90 minutes with 75 multiple choice questions
Professional Discussion (spoken exam) – June or January
– 1 hour including time for reading 5 tasks related to the dental nurse role, preparing notes then speaking to an examiner about the tasks.
Examples of tasks:
- giving patient advice on their dental procedure or aftercare (such as a root treatment or extraction)
- explaining actions that should be taken to raise a professional concern
- instructing a trainee on the workplace role
- relating the GDC Principles to a situation or GDC registration requirements
Our revision webinars start 3 months before the exams. We provide:
- a comprehensive revision pack of activities and worksheets
- advice on study methods and exam technique
- mock exams for the knowledge test and professional discussion
- experience to develop your confidence with speaking skills
What are Training 4 Practice exam results?
Our pass rates are consistently above the national average. We are happy to share these with you at the interview.
Can I register with the General Dental Council once I have the qualification?
You can apply for registration as a Dental Nurse once you have passed both parts of the exam. The GDC will consider your application based on various requirements such as providing a character reference and health declaration. We run a webinar on GDC registration at the end of each course and provide links to GDC guidance and the documents to complete.
What if I cannot take the planned exam? Or do not pass?
NEBDN permits 1 exam deferral and 3 exam resits.
In line with GDC recommendations, we aim to enter a student at the end of the course, however, in certain circumstances a deferment can be agreed.
In the case of a deferral or pass not achieved, the student will join a later revision group and enter the next exam, held (currently) 6 months later. An additional NEBDN fee plus a course extension fee will be due.
What qualifications do Training 4 Practice staff have?
Everyone involved in your training, including the course lead, is a GDC registered Dental Nurse with many years’ experience working in a dental practice and teaching or assessing.
Our class Tutors are GDC registered Dental Nurses with qualifications to teach in the adult learning sector (DTLLS).
Our coursework Assessors (markers) are GDC registered Dental Nurses with nationally recognised qualifications in assessing and supporting students who are working towards a formal qualification.
As required by the GDC and NEBDN for training providers, our high standards are monitored by an IQA (Internal Quality Assurer) and NEBDN auditors.
Call: 0780 828 8117
contact@training4practice.com
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