Frequently Asked Questions

This course is designed for individuals aged 16 and above who are interested in becoming qualified Dental Nurses. It is well-suited for:

• Individuals with overseas dental qualifications looking to gain dental sector experience in the UK.
• Individuals looking for a career change or a fresh professional start in the dental field.

There are no strict academic prerequisites; however, a good command of the English language is essential for effective communication in a professional dental setting. Please note that applicants must be at least 16 years old to enrol and must be based in the UK.

Once the student joins a dental practice in a trainee dental nurse job, they need to be supervised by a GDC-registered professional and have a suitable workplace witness.

No previous dental experience is required to enrol. Many of our successful students start with little to no background in dentistry. However, individuals transitioning from customer-facing roles, such as retail, hospitality, tourism or transport, often find their communication and interpersonal skills beneficial in this field.

NEBDN* Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) is designed as a part-time programme, taught online, typically completed over one year. Students are expected to undertake the exams within 12 months from the course's commencement.

The Diploma opens up an exciting range of opportunities to gain level 4 or 5 qualifications in:

• Dental sedation
• Dental radiography
• Dental technology
• Oral health education
• Special care dental nursing
• Orthodontic nursing
• Dental practice management

To achieve the NEBDN* Level 3 Diploma in Dental Nursing (RQF) students must:

• Complete the Portfolio of Experience (PoE).
• Pass a written examination.
• Successfully clear the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), which is a practical assessment conducted a few months after the written exam.
• Upon passing all three stages, graduates can apply for official registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) as qualified Dental Nurses.

Yes! Students will be working part-time or full-time as "trainee dental nurses". This allows them to gain hands-on experience while studying the theoretical aspects of dental nursing.

You will need to be enrolled on to a dental nursing course before you start working in a dental practice.

Students have access to experienced tutors, study materials and mentorship to help them succeed in their coursework and exams.

Upon successfully completing the diploma, you will be eligible to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) and start working as a qualified dental nurse.

Yes! Many dental nurses choose to further their education and qualify as dental hygienists, therapists, or even dentists after gaining experience in the field.

Salaries vary depending on experience and location, but newly qualified dental nurses typically earn between £25,000 and £30,000 per year, with potential for higher earnings in private clinics or specialist practices.