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?

Support or reasonable adjustments for a disability or other needs are identified and discussed at the interview stage or at any point during the course.  Tutors provide written and verbal feedback for coursework and Mock exams.
3 monthly individual progress reviews are held to discuss achievements and help identify areas to develop,

Should any particular support be needed with coursework a one to one tutorial can be arranged – either at the centre or in a telephone call.   We will always make time to listen to a student or the workplace.

When are the exams held?

Students who start the course in January will enter the following November and January sitting
Students who start the course in June will enter the following April and June sitting

What happens in the exam and how are students prepared for this?

Currently all exams are held online, however, NEBDN may change back to face to face exams in 2023.
There are 2 exams, held 6 weeks apart. Part 1 must be achieved in order to enter Part 2.

Part 1 (written) – a 2 hour paper of 100 multiple choice style questions.

Part 2 (OSCEs)-  2 x 40 minutes exams on 2 days.

These are practical assessments involving a series of activities where students demonstrate basic dental nurse competencies.  This will include selecting instruments and materials or identifying emergency drugs or actions for medical emergencies.  There is a spoken exam where giving patient advice will be assessed.

The exams require knowledge as well as reasoning, analysis and ‘thinking on your feet’ type skills and so, during specific revision activities,  we work on developing skills and knowledge as well as building confidence. We also provide a comprehensive revision pack of activities including written and research exercises, 4 written mock exams and 2 OSCEs (practical) mock exams.

What are the Training 4 Practice exam results?

We are delighted that our students’ dedication to their goals has lead to pass rates that are consistently above the national average and we are happy to share these 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. Their website is www.gdc-uk.org   Access this here: GDC

How do you help students learn?

We believe that when there is involvement in learning then understanding and skills develop more easily and so we engage students using structured class workshops, practical activities and discussions.  This not only helps the student understand the information, but also to recognise how to usefully apply the knowledge in a work role.

Examples of practical activities:

– Mixing dental materials to manufacturer’s instructions and to exam requirements (not available for webinar courses).
– Recognising and setting up dental instruments and items for a range of procedures.
– Recognising charting.
– Oral health advice and post-operative instructions for patients.
– Managing medical emergencies.

Handouts are given for every topic and written in key points rather than vast amounts of text. The student builds on these during the lesson by writing their own notes – essential to provide that memory link which will serve them as they later review their notes in revision

A student’s commitment to their progress is essential.  In addition to that, we aim to guide and support them as they take ownership of, and responsibility for, their learning and for the development of a professional and reflective attitude which will serve them, their practices and their patients.

What are the fees and when do these have to be paid?

Fees commitment: £1,675.

This covers course costs and NEBDN registration and exam fees (£485).

Payment is due one month before the course start to allow time for NEBDN to process the registration and send the student their online coursework log – in details. Early registration means the student can start their coursework without delay and so avoid falling behind.

What happens if a student cannot take the exam as planned? Or does not pass?

In line with GDC recommendations, the aim is to enter a student at the end of the course. Only in an unavoidable situation will deferment be considered.  In this case the student will pay an administrative and course extension fee and enter the next exam in 6 months’ time.

In the case of not achieving a pass, a student can resit in 6 months’ time after they have carried out further revision.  Resit and course extension fees will apply.

What qualifications do the Tutors have?

In line with NEBDN requirements, our class Tutors are all GDC registered Dental Nurses and all hold a qualification to teach in the adult learning sector.  Our coursework Assessors are experienced Dental Nurses who have previously completed their own ROE.  They have received training in assessing coursework and giving effective feedback to the students.

Training 4 Practice course lead and director is Corinne Luke GDC no: 126514

How do I apply for an interview?

Contact us for an application form by emailing    contact@training4practice.com     or calling Corinne Luke on:  0780 8288117.

Further information

If you want any further information we are happy to have an informal conversation with you.  Please call 0780 828 8117.

Information about the National Examining Board for Dental Nurse qualifications and training providers can be found on their website www.nebdn.org

Information about the General Dental Council, registration for dental professionals and requirements for employing trainees can be found at www.gdc-uk.org