Higher Certificate in Science in Dental Nursing

Course details

The main aim of the course is to produce graduates who are licensed to practice as dental nurses in both Ireland and the UK. The course will provide dental nurses with the appropriate multi-disciplined skills to enable them to play a key role in dental practices.

Minimum Entry Requirements

Entry to the course will be via normal CAO Applications Processes. Learners will have to meet the entry requirements as specified below:

Standard Code applicants must have passed at least 5 Leaving Certificate Subjects, including the following subjects:

• English or Irish at OD3 or higher (not Foundation Level Irish).
• Maths at OD3 or higher, or Higher Level at grade E or higher or B2 or higher in Foundation Maths.
• At least 3 other subjects at OD3 or higher of which one must be a laboratory based science subject.
• Applied A-Level Grade C
• Any full FETAC level 5 award and no required modules

Proposed Modules

• Clinical Dentistry 1: Communication and Patient Care
•  Biological Science
•  Transferable Skills
•  Work Placement 1
• Clinical Dentistry 2: Materials and Instrumentation
•  Disease & Infection Control
•  Pharmacology
•  Work Placement 2
• Applied Physiology
•  Nutrition & Health Promotion
•  Clinical Dentistry 3: Anatomy and Pathology
•  Work Placement 3
• Business Management
•  Drugs Action & Usag
•  Clinical Dentistry 4: Special Practicz
•  Work Placement 4

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this programme, the graduate will be expected to:

• Have a knowledge of the scientific principles of sterilisation, disinfection and antisepsis
• Have a knowledge of oral physiology and craniofacial, oral and dental anatomy relevant to dental nursing
• Have an understanding of the fundamental aspects of anatomy, physiology and microbiology relevant to dental nursing
• Be competent in IT
• Demonstrate an ability to work as a member of a dental team
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, supervisors, managers and clients
• Demonstrate an ability to recognise and manage social and psychological issues relevant to care of patients through the use of case scenarios.
• Be able to identify that a medical emergency has arisen
• Be familiar with the principles of First Aid
• Record information and maintain records and demonstrate the ability to produce and use clinical records effectively.
• Be familiar with the legal and ethical requirements governing the operation of a dental setting
• Be familiar with the learning orientated towards personal growth and professional development
• Be familiar with some human physiology and common disorders of body systems
• Have a good understanding of Health and Safety legislation when working in a dental setting.
• Explain the procedures involved in the preparation and decontamination of the dental surgery
• Understand the concept of cross contamination and its prevention
• Detail the therapeutic actions of drugs in the body systems.
• Display an understanding of commonly used dental materials
• Provide chair side support to the operator and patient during dental procedures
• Describe the general relationships between diet and nutrition and oral health and disease/
• Develop an understanding of the use of ionising radiation in dentistry