National Certificate

The National Certificate is one of the qualifications approved by the General Dental Council (GDC) for statutory registration which became mandatory for all dental nurses from 31st July 2008. The GDC is the organisation which protects the public by regulating dentists and dental care professionals in the UK. Under the GDC regulations, unqualified dental nurses may only work under supervision as trainees provided they are enrolled on a theoretical training course at an approved training centre.

In order to be awarded the qualification, a candidate must complete the equivalent of twenty-four months full-time employment as a dental nurse in addition to passing the National Certificate Examination.

In order to enter the National Certificate Examination, a candidate must:

a. be in employment as a trainee dental nurse

b. undertake a theoretical course of training at an NEBDN accredited centre

c. complete a Record of Experience requiring the support of a dentist who will be required to validate workplace activities

Click here for further information...

• Download a pdf of the National Certificate Examination Prospectus, click here!

• Download a pdf of the Revision Pac, click here!

• Download a pdf of list of The Accredited Training Centres, click here!

 

Vocationally Related Qualification

This qualification is both a vocationally related qualification (VRQ) and a Technical Certificate for the Dental Nurses Apprenticeship framework in England and Wales. It is designed for individuals who would like to work as a Dental Nurse in the Dental Sector.

It allows learners to develop the knowledge required for full-time employment and/or career progression in the Dental Sector. It also provides valuable accreditation of knowledge and understanding towards the related level 3 NVQ in Dental Nursing.

The aims of this qualification are to:

• Support the needs of the individuals who work or aim to work as Dental Nurses in the Dental sector.
• Allow individuals to learn, develop and practice the skills required for employment and/or career progression in the Dental sector.
• Act as a Technical Certificate as part of the Apprenticeship framework in England and Wales.
• Contribute to satisfying the registration requirements of the industry regulator and professional body for Dental Nurses in England, Scotland and Wales.
• Provide valuable accreditation of skills and/or knowledge for individuals not following N/SVQ and Apprenticeship programmes.
• Contribute to the knowledge and understanding towards the related Level 3 NVQ in Dental Nursing, whilst containing additional skills and knowledge which go beyond the scope of the National Occupational Standards but are essential for those working in the industry in the 21st century.
• Contribute to skills and/or knowledge requirements within the Knowledge Skills Framework (KSF).
• Support Government initiatives towards the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
• Act as a stand alone qualification, accredited as part of the NQF at Level 3.

 

Assessment

One synoptic test consisting of multiple choice questions and one word answers covering units 1 – 4, available in March, June and December.

For more information please click the appropriate link for NVQ, or SVQ