Key information
UCAS code:
B751
Accreditation:
This course is Accredited
Typical offer:
80 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 UCAS points in a pure Science subject
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Dental nurses support dental care professionals in all aspects of dental treatment and patient care and are an integral part of the dental team
On this 1-year full-time, 2-year part-time CertHE Dental Nursing course, accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC), you’ll get the knowledge and practical skills required to achieve safe beginner status, become a vital member of the dental team and register with the GDC when you graduate.
Course highlights
- Build your team-working skills by studying alongside dental hygiene, dental therapy and final year dental students from King’s College London Dental Institute
- Use some of the best dental facilities for students in the country at our Dental Academy, with 44 treatment bays, 2 individual surgeries, a phantom head skill lab, full radiography suite and an electronic patient records system
- Work with real patients in the local community, gaining valuable work experience supporting our dental outreach projects such as working with the homeless community and Portsmouth Football Club
- Placement opportunities in environments such as special care dentistry, maxillofacial departments and general dental practices
- Qualify with a CertHE in Dental Nursing when you complete the course, which allows you to register with the GDC as a dental nurse
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Explore CertHE Dental Nursing at Portsmouth
Discover how you'll gain the knowledge and practical skills to become a vital member of a dental team.
Jane Cuthbert: The certificate in higher education for dental nursing is a level four qualification, running for one academic year. It enables the students to get the full university experience.
We have a clinical module which trains the students for the practical side of dental nursing. We also have a module which treats the legal and ethical side of dental nursing and a science-based module which teaches anatomy, and we also have a module that leads onto research in evidence-based dentistry, which is really important.
The facilities we have here at the dental academy include two fully functioning clinics in which we treat patients from the local community. We have radiography pods. We also have a phantom head classroom.
So the thing I love most about the course is the students having many more opportunities, which leads them also onto a professional registration with the General Dental Council. There are also opportunities for them to go on and study to become radiography dental nurses, special care dental nurses as well as orthodontic and implant specialities as well.
Community outreach opportunities that we offer include primary schools, walk-in clinics for the local homeless community and Portsmouth Football Club. The opportunities here at the University of Portsmouth Dental
Academy will set you up for a great and rewarding career.
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
Find out more about accommodation
We have a variety of affordable accommodation options, with en-suite halls from £131 per week.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
Even if you don't receive the grades you need, we recommend still calling us on 023 9284 8090 as we still may be able to consider you for a course
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2025
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or other information.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Entry requirements
CertHE Dental Nursing entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - CDD
- UCAS points - 80 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points in a pure Science subject. For A levels which include a separate science practical component, a pass is desirable and may strengthen an application (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Pass (C or above in the core) - Merit. Acceptable T Level Subjects:
T Level in Health (Acceptable Occupational Specialisms: Supporting the adult nursing team, Supporting the mental health team), T Level in Healthcare Science (Acceptable Occupational Specialisms: Assisting with healthcare science), T Level in Science - BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - MMP
- International Baccalaureate - 26
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
- Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course. This includes screening to exclude infectivity with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Typical offers
- A levels - DDE-DDD
- UCAS points - 64-72 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points in a pure Science subject (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Pass (D or E in the core). Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Health (Acceptable Occupational Specialisms: Supporting the adult nursing team, Supporting the mental health team), T Level in Healthcare Science (Acceptable Occupational Specialisms: Assisting with healthcare science), T Level in Science
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - MMP-MPP
- International Baccalaureate - 25
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application.
- Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course. This includes screening to exclude infectivity with Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
We look at more than just your grades
While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.
Values and the NHS Constitution
We embed the principles and values of the NHS Constitution in all our health and social care courses. When you apply for this course, we’ll expect you to demonstrate how your values align with the values of the Constitution.
Facilities and specialist equipment
Discover our dental facilities
Gain experience developing your skills and prepare for a career in dentistry with our dental facilities.
Explore the Dental Academy
Take a tour of our Dental Academy at the University of Portsmouth, where we teach Dental Hygiene, Dental Therapy and Dental Nursing courses.
A video showing highlights of studying in the Dental Academy at the University of Portsmouth - using phantom heads and live patient clinics, develop your practice with x-ray machinery, fillings, scaling and impressions. (No dialogue.)
Careers and opportunities
Dental nurses offer vital support to dentists and patients by ensuring they have all they need to treat patients, such as preparing equpment and materials, sterilising treatment areas and managing patient records.
They also assist dentists as they carry out treatments, passing instruments as they need them, keeping a patient's mouth clear of water and saliva, and making sure patients are comfortable and relaxed throughout.
Dental nursing is a crucial role within a dental team and since the pandemic, there is an even higher demand for dental nurses in the both the NHS and the private sector.
On this Dental Nursing CertHE, you'll gain what you need to become a registered dental nurse, including knowledge of many dental restorative and preventative procedures, and professional and people skills.
You'll complete a programme of statutory and mandatory training as part of our commitment to the NHS, including the anatomy and physiology of the head and neck, body systems, and understanding health, safety and infection control.
Once you complete the course, you’ll be able to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) as a dental nurse, ready to work at a general dental practice, a hospital, with the community dental service or in the Armed Forces. Or, you could continue your studies at diploma or degree level.
What areas can you work in with a dental nursing CertHE?
As a registered dental nurse, you’ll be qualified to take on roles in any sector of the dental industry, including:
- general dental practice (NHS or private)
- corporate dental practice
- hospital dental services
- Armed Forces
- specialists dental practice
- health promotion
What jobs can you do with a dental nursing CertHE?
Our graduates have taken on roles including:
- dental nurse
- practice manager
- practice owner
Potential salary
As an NHS dental nurse in 2021, your starting salary would likely be between £20,330 (Band 3) and £22,549 (Band 4). With more experience as a senior dental nurse, you could make up to £31,534 (Band 5).
You could also work in the private sector, or as a locum dental nurse, for a competitive hourly rate.
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Work experience with patients in the community
To help you gain professional experience, you'll help to provide free dental health services to the public at the Dental Academy and work with patients in local community settings.
You'll have the chance to offer preventative and educational dental support within institutions such as school clinics and hostels for homeless people, enabling you to gain a better understanding of the social impact of good dental care.
Our community work experience projects include:
- outreach activity in community surgeries and maxillofacial departments in local hospitals
- oral health promotion
- supervised tooth brushing in infant schools
- providing dental checks to the homeless community
- providing dental check ups to elite athletes, including first team players from Portsmouth Football Club
Portsmouth FC players get a check up at the Dental Academy
Thanks to a collaborative partnership with Portsmouth Football Club, our undergraduate dental students gave first team players Clark Robertson and Liam Vincent a full oral health assessment at our Dental Academy.
Check ups like these are an opportunity to catch any potential issues early, such as dental trauma from the sport, tooth decay from a diet that’s often high in carbohydrates and sugars, or dental erosion caused by acidic sports drinks.
Professor Chris Louca: Today we are resurrecting a collaboration between the University of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Football Club. So in this case, we've got final year Dental Hygiene students who are looking at the Portsmouth Football Club players and they're carrying out a full oral health assessment.
This is a really big area of interest, looking at the link between oral health and the performance of elite athletes. There's a growing body of evidence to show that there is a link between these two areas.
Francesca Lee: So an athlete's diet consists of high sugar, so the advice I'd give to athletes is to minimise eating sugary foods and drinks and if they're going to have it, eat it in one sitting rather than snacking throughout the day.
Liam Vincent: I've just had a check up and they've removed some decay off my teeth. My teeth are a lot better now!
I never really considered the health of my teeth before, as much as I will do now.
Clark Robertson: I didn't really think about it too much in relation to actually playing football, but it's something I'll be more aware of moving forward.
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, four modules worth 20 credits and one module worth 40 credits.
The course runs from September to July.
What you'll study (full-time)
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
You'll develop an academic awareness, as well as understanding different perspectives on particular subjects, topics and ideas. You'll develop and apply these skills by searching for and gaining an overview of public health, health inequalities and the provision of health and social care. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
Select appropriate materials and equipment to support dental teams during procedures across clinical settings.
Develop awareness on the causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and how they develop over time whilst considering how medical issues or patient anxiety can affect dental treatment.
Enhance your technical abilities, collaboration skills, practical expertise, clinical knowledge, communication techniques and ethics whilst meeting accreditation requirements.
You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
You'll develop an understanding of the laws and practises relevant to the professional and safe delivery of patient centred care and management of the dental patient whilst developing the skills necessary to underpin your academic and professional studies. You'll be introduced to communication skills and the principles of preventive oral health promotion. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
Specifically, you'll have the opportunity to learn anatomy and physiology and how this knowledge can be applied within the practice of dentistry. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
What you'll study (part-time)
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
Select appropriate materials and equipment to support dental teams during procedures across clinical settings.
Develop awareness on the causes of tooth decay and gum disease, and how they develop over time whilst considering how medical issues or patient anxiety can affect dental treatment.
Enhance your technical abilities, collaboration skills, practical expertise, clinical knowledge, communication techniques and ethics whilst meeting accreditation requirements.
You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
You'll develop an understanding of the laws and practises relevant to the professional and safe delivery of patient centred care and management of the dental patient whilst developing the skills necessary to underpin your academic and professional studies. You'll be introduced to communication skills and the principles of preventive oral health promotion. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
Core modules
All modules in this year are core.
You'll develop an academic awareness, as well as understanding different perspectives on particular subjects, topics and ideas. You'll develop and apply these skills by searching for and gaining an overview of public health, health inequalities and the provision of health and social care. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
Specifically, you'll have the opportunity to learn anatomy and physiology and how this knowledge can be applied within the practice of dentistry. You are required to pass both assessment artefacts to complete this module successfully.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
You’ll be assessed through examinations and coursework, and your clinical development and competency is assessed via an electronic software platform (LIFTUP).
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- lectures
- seminars
- pre clinical simulated practice and live patient clinics
- guided reading
- practical workshops
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your Dental Nursing CertHE (full time). If you're a part time student, you'll study for 2 days a week in teaching block 1 (September to January) and 1 day a week in teaching block 2 (February to July).
You’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as tutorials, lectures, practical classes and workshops and guided independent study sessions. You’ll also be expected to do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course.
Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. You may occasionally need to go to University and course events in the evenings and at weekends.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Due to the clinical elements of the course and the professional, regulatory and statutory body requirement of the General Dental Council, the Dental Academy (UPDA) term dates will differ from the standard University dates, meaning you'll need to attend campus from early September to the end of July.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time – £9,535 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time – £4,767 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
EU students
- Full-time – £9,535 a year (including Transition Scholarship – may be subject to annual increase)
- Part-time – £4,767 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
International students
- Full-time – £17,200 per year (subject to annual increase)
- Part-time – £8,600 per year (subject to annual increase)
Please note, we'll confirm 2026 course fees soon.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
You’ll get 3 sets of scrubs (clinical clothing) and a name badge at the start of the course. You can order extra or replacement scrubs at £8 per set or £4 an item. You can also order replacement name badges for £7.
You’ll need to buy your own visor frame (available from the Dental Academy for £8) and a pair of black shoes which enclose the foot (not canvas or clogs).
Plastic skulls are available for a £30 deposit to assist your learning of oral anatomy during your first year.
You’ll need to bring your own 40mm padlock if you use our locker facilities.
You’ll attend outreach locations to support your studies, and you’ll need to cover travel costs. The NHS may meet some of these costs through its Learning Support Fund.
Optional conference trips will cost in the region of £100–£200. You may have the opportunity to engage in the Erasmus programme, which will incur additional costs.
Apply
Ready to apply?
Full-time
To start this course full-time in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – B751
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
Part-time
To start this course part-time in 2025 - please contact us.
Further information
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Full-time
To start this course full-time in 2026, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – B751
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
Part-time
To start this course part-time in 2026, use our online application form.
Further information
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.