Study With Us

Various dates

18 months

City & Guilds

As a dental nurse you play a key role in supporting dentists in caring for patients. This programme focuses on direct chairside work and enables you to learn and train on the job as well as giving you a recognised qualification that reflects your professional skills. 

You will learn as you carry out your normal duties, with the support of an Assessor who will visit you in your workplace three separate times for observations of your work during your working hours throughout your course.

Lessons will provide you with the specialist knowledge underpinning your practical experience and enabling you to complete an end point exam.

There are 11 mandatory units and one synoptic knowledge test.

• Preparing for professional practice in dental nursing
• The impact of health and safety legislation on working practices in the dental setting
• Prevention and control of infection in the dental setting
• Dental and regional anatomy, oral health assessments and treatment planning
• Recognising and supporting actions during first aid and medical emergencies
• The safe use of ionising radiation to produce quality radiographic images
• Provide support for the control of periodontal disease and caries, and the restoration of cavities
• Provide support during the stages of prosthetic treatments
• Provide support during the stages of endodontic procedures
• Provide support during extractions and minor oral surgery
• Scientific and practical information to support the patient’s oral and physical health

You will be allocated an assessor who will develop an individual learning plan and will guide you to develop a portfolio of evidence to meet the learning outcomes.

You must be working as a trainee dental nurse in a dental practice with a minimum of 18 hours chairside responsibilities per week.

You will be expected to complete your Diploma within 18 months.

You will attend lessons via Microsoft teams, once per week, and you will attend one lesson per month in college during term time.

These fees relate to 2024/25:

£3,600

Wakefield College offers various courses which can be used as Continuing Professional Development for dental care professionals. Please visit our website for a full list of training courses or telephone on the number given below.