Who is this course suitable for?
Those who are in – or about to start – employment as a trainee dental nurse.
Do students have to attend in person?
No. Interviews and teaching sessions are all online using Zoom.
What qualifications are needed to enrol?
No academic qualifications are needed, however, a good standard of English – spoken and literary – is needed. We will ask for evidence such as a GCSE certificate or we will assess skills at the interview stage.
What happens at the interview?
We will give further information about the course, coursework and exams and there will be some questions related to the dental nurse role to answer. An opportunity will be given to discuss any concerns or support needs.
What happens then?
Once a course place has been offered, we send the enrolment paperwork to the applicant and will contact the workplace with an information pack and training agreement. Once the agreed fees are paid the student is enrolled and registered with NEBDN.
What does the coursework involve?
During the first 6 months you will be completing the online ‘Record of Experience’ (RoE) – a portfolio of evidence of your knowledge, skills and competency in the workplace.
The RoE involves:
- 22 written theory activities – such as research, charting and diagram labelling
- 44 written ‘log sheets’ of assisting with procedures, observed by a GDC registered staff member (a ‘Witness’) in the workplace who then completes a written competency assessment.
We send Witnesses guidance notes on how to carry out observations and complete the competency documents, including a webinar recording and the NEBDN ‘Witness Toolkit’.
Examples of topics covered – based on the NEBDN curriculum
– Requirements of GDC Registration, the GDC Standards and Principles
– Infection Control, microbiology, HTM 01 05 ‘Essential Quality Requirements’ (EQR) and ‘Best Practice’
– Health and safety, risk assessment, waste management, safe methods of working
– Data Protection Act and Principles, maintaining patient confidentiality
– Professionalism, social media, reflective practice and personal development plans
– Radiography, safety, use of dental films, processing methods and quality assurance
– Dental materials, uses, advantages and disadvantages
– Caries and periodontal diseases, contributory factors and progression
What support is given to students with a disability or learning difficulty?
Adjustments and support needed for a disability, learning difficulty or other needs are discussed and planned at the interview stage and reviewed as needed.
With the student’s permission, we will contact NEBDN to request adjustments for the exams such as extra time or a reader.
When are the NEBDN exams?
November course start – exams are held the following November and January.
April course start – exams are held the following April and June.
What is the exam format and what preparation do students have?
Currently the exams are held online. There are 2 exams. The written must be achieved before the OSCE practical can be entered.
Written – a 2-hour paper of 100 multiple choice / extended matching style questions.
OSCEs (practical) – 2 x 50-minute exams related to the dental nurse role in the workplace role such as:
- selecting instruments and materials
- identifying emergency drugs or actions for medical emergencies
- giving patient advice on procedures or aftercare advice
- explaining actions that should be taken for a professional concern
- instructing a trainee on the workplace roles
- professionalism and meeting GDC requirements of ongoing registration
Our revision sessions start 3 months before the exams. We provide:
- a comprehensive revision pack of activities and worksheets
- 3 written and 2 OSCE (practical) mock exams
- advice on study methods and exam technique
- practical activities to develop the student’s confidence and speaking skills
What are Training 4 Practice exam results?
Our pass rates are consistently above the national average. We are happy to share results with you at the interview.
Can I register with the General Dental Council once I have the qualification?
You can apply for registration as a Dental Nurse once you have passed both parts of the exam. The GDC will consider your application based on various requirements such as providing a character and health reference. We run a webinar on registration at the end of each course and provide links to GDC guidance and the documents to complete.
What if a student cannot take the planned exam? Or does not pass?
The exams are held every 6 months.
In line with GDC recommendations, we aim to enter a student at the end of the course or within a year of completing the course. In certain circumstances a deferment can be applied for. The student will join a later revision group and enter the next exam. An additional NEBDN fee plus a course extension fee will be due.
If a pass is not achieved, the student will join a later revision group and enter the next exam. We will review the exam feedback with the student and plan areas of development. An NEBDN resit fee plus a course extension fee will be due.
What qualifications do Training 4 Practice staff have?
Our class Tutors are GDC registered Dental Nurses with qualifications to teach in the adult learning sector.
Our coursework markers are GDC registered Dental Nurses with either nationally recognised qualifications and/or training and experience in assessing coursework to NEBDN standards.
From July 2025, in line with new NEBDN requirements, all our staff will have achieved additional nationally accredited qualifications in either ‘Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement’ (CAVA) or ‘Internal Quality Assurance’ (IQA).
Call: 0780 828 8117
contact@training4practice.com
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