CertHE
Dental Nursing
Practical and professional training in our first-rate facilities
Course Overview
Why take this course?
Dental nurses are essential across the dental industry. They contribute significantly to the care of patients undergoing dental treatment and are vital members of the dental team.
Our course is designed to ensure you are able to safely and competently support the operator and patient during the provision of dental care.
The course only takes one academic year (September – July), all course fees are paid for by the NHS and a bursery is available whilst you study.
On successful completion you will have gained 120 degree level 1 credits and be able to register as a qualified dental care professional with The General Dental Council.
What will I experience?
On this course you can:
- Study alongside dental hygiene, dental therapy and dental students, enabling you to build effective team-working skills
- Learn about and experience a range of dental procedures and techniques in our purpose-built Dental Academy
- Put your learning into practice by working alongside qualified professionals in a range of outreach locations delivering healthcare to patients
What opportunities might it lead to?
Our courses are accredited by the General Dental Council. Once you complete this course, you’ll be able to register and work in any sector of the dental industry. These might include:
- general dental practice (NHS and/or Private)
- hospital dental services
- the Armed Forces
- specialist practice
- health promotion environment
The Dental Academy at Portsmouth has great facilities. Being able to interact with patients in a clinical environment from year one is great.
Shweta Patel, dental student
Key Facts
- UCAS Course Code:
- B751
- Duration
- 1 year full time
- Entry
80 points from 1 A level or 2 AS Levels in a pure Science subject. All applicants are subject to interview. All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.
Other qualifications- Fees
UK/EU full-time students: This course is NHS funded, please contact the department for further information.
International Students: This course is not open to International Students.
Channel Islands and Isle of Man full-time students: please contact the department for further information.- Contact
- sci.admissions@port.ac.uk
+44 (0)23 9284 5550 - Department
- Dental Academy
Subject:
Health Sciences and Social Work
Find out what our students say about studying at Portsmouth, including:
- The clinical and real-life learning approach that will equip you for your chosen career
- Our simulated environments that mean you’ll gain and practise the skills you’ll need before entering the workplace
- Approachable lecturers, many of whom are teacher practitioners
Visit us at our open day
Wed 10 Jul
Structure & Teaching
The subjects covered will ensure you have the complete knowledge and skills to safely and competently support the operator and patient during treatment.
You will specifically focus on the following areas:
- general anatomy and physiology
- oral anatomy and physiology
- health safety and infection control procedures
- human and oral diseases (pathology and microbiology)
- instruments, materials and equipment associated with a range of dental procedures
- methods of assisting the operator during a range of dental treatments
- patient management techniques
- preventive dentistry
- dental public health
- law and ethics
- reflective practice and professionalism
- assisting the operator during dental radiographic procedures
Core units in this programme include:
- Dental Nursing Practice
- Foundations of Clinical Practice
- Introduction to Behavioural Science
- Introduction to Human Sciences
- Personal and Professional Development
As part of our commitment to the NHS, each student will complete a programme of Statutory and Mandatory training in line with the NHS framework.
During your study with us you will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the head and neck, understand body systems, investigate and apply national guidance in relation to health, safety and infection control, explore methods of communication across a range of mediums, relate evidence based theory and learn the practical skills necessary to support dental care delivery in the UK.
Teaching and Assessment
You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical laboratory work and guided reading. Our academic staff have expertise in clinical practice and research, and we provide a student-centred approach to teaching, with all units fully supported by online lecture and study materials.
How are you assessed?
On this course there is a balance of formal examinations and coursework assessment. You will be expected to complete coursework throughout the year, whereas exams take place at the end of the academic year.
Tutor's view
Nicky Bartholomew
Dentistry
There are fantastic facilities for both theoretical and practical learning. All units incorporate a blended learning approach where you actively engage in a variety of teaching such as practical group sessions, seminars as well as traditional lectures. Supported by experienced dental staff, the Academy provides simulated opportunities prior to your progression to see patients on our clinical floors.
Visit us open day
Facilities & Features
The Dental Academy
We have built the optimal environment for you to study dental practice
Working as a Team
Working alongside dental students, you’ll really get a feel for what it’s like to be part of a dental team
University Library
Our library offers a wealth of information
The Dental Academy
We have built the optimal environment for you to study both the theoretical and practical elements necessary to succeed. Offering a balance of state-of-the-art teaching and clinical facilities, here’s a taste of what you’ll have access to:
- two clinics (44 dental treatment bays)
- two individual surgeries
- a phantom head room
- decontamination suite
- radiography suite
- four radiography booths
- a clinical skills laboratory and a simulation decontamination environment
Working as a Team
Our Dental Academy is a training ground for undergraduate King’s College London Dental Institute students as well as you and others on your course. So with dental care professionals and undergraduate dentists under the same roof, you’ll really get a feel of what it’s like to be part of a dental team working within a primary dental care setting.
University Library
Modern, comfortable and a great learning environment, our library offers a wealth of information including 400,000 books, DVDs, maps and thousands of online ejournals and newspapers. Many electronic resources are available anywhere, 24/7 and our friendly staff are always on hand to help.
Careers & Opportunities
Career prospects
On completing this course, you’ll be qualified to become a valuable member of the dental team. You’ll be able to register as a member of General Dental Council (GDC) and gain employment within all sectors of dentistry, whether it’s in a dental practice, hospital environment or so on.
Another option is further study. You could apply for a place to study on our BSc (Hons) Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy (it should be noted that this is not a guaranteed route of entry) or a variety of post-registration courses in areas such as radiography, oral health education and hygiene.
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- dental hygienist
- dental nurse
- practice manager
- dental therapist
- practice owner
Work experience
To broaden your range of hands-on experience, some learning can occur outside the University. Outreach increases the diversity of practice, widening your skills base. You’ll therefore have the option to work in a number of local settings, including:
- a range of dental practices offering NHS dental care
- oral health promotion
- supervised tooth brushing in infant schools
- helping staff to develop oral care plans in residential homes
- working alongside others in the dental team to provide dental screening to offenders in the probation service
- work experience in maxillofacial departments in local hospitals
Career planning
6.04 minutes
Finding a job is a competitive business, but the statistics show that 89 per cent of our 2011graduates went into employment, further study or training within six months of finishing their degrees.
To make sure you take the right steps on your career path, we’re here to give you help, support and advice throughout your study. Even after you’ve graduated, we continue to give you support for up to five years.
Employers tell us that they want graduates to be able to demonstrate certain skills when they come out of university. Our courses take account of this. We make sure we prepare you for employment through work-related learning, projects, placements and working in simulated environments that are designed to prepare you for the working world.
Open Day
Our next open day is Wed 10 July
VISIT US! Have a look around and get a feel for what it’s like to live and study here. We’ll be on hand to talk to you about your course interests and show you all of our amazing facilities. You’ll also get to meet tutors and other students…
Application, Fees and Funding — find out more