level: UG top_up: false international: false clearing: false full_time: true part_time: false start_Month: September location: Waterside

Dental Nursing FdSc

Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    B750

  • Level

    UndergraduateUG FdSc

  • Duration

    2 years Full time

  • Starting

    September

Updated 27/11/2024

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU STUDENTS ENQUIRIES

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

Overview


The Foundation Degree Dental Nursing (FdSc) course provides you with a wide range of academic skills and work-related competencies and on successful completion of the award, you will be able to apply for registration with the General Dental Council (GDC). The course links theory to practice, supported through underpinning knowledge, work-based clinical skills, and placement options each year.

Top 5 For General Nursing*

*The University of Northampton is a top 5 institution for general Nursing in the Best UK University Guardian League table for 2025.

Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them! We’ll support you to identify your skills, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs, or further study, you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.

General Dental Council logo

Highlights


Entry Requirements


A typical offer would be:

  • DD at A Level or,
  • MPP at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or,
  • Pass (D or E) at T Level or,
  • NVQ Level 3 (any subject)

We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.

  • In addition, you will need to have achieved:

    • GCSE in English Language (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above.

    All offers of a place on the programme  made to applicants will be conditional subject to:

    • a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check;
    • a satisfactory occupational health check, including evidence of required immunisations that includes vaccinations for exposed Prone Procedures (EPP) via the University of Northampton’s Occupational Health provider. Please refer to the department of health document used by occupational health providers.

    For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

  • All EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • IELTS 7.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 7.0 in all bands for study at undergraduate level.

Course Content


  • This course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: SDG3 of Good Health and Wellbeing and SDG5 Gender Equality.

    You will understand the key competencies required to work safely as a registered dental nurse and on completion of the course, you will be able to put these into practice confidently. Our Dental Nursing course encourages the holistic care and treatment of dental patients and supports you in expanding your knowledge so that you are prepared for a career in Dental Nursing.

    The course is designed to recognise the increasing need for theory linked to practice, which is supported through applying the General Dental Council Standards for the Dental Team (2013) and the General Dental Council (2015) learning outcomes for Dental Nurses.

    List of modules:

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 24/25. The modules relating to the academic year 25/26 will be available from June 2025.

    • You will be given a solid foundation of positive knowledge, skills and attitudes that will underpin your personal and professional development.

      • Module code: DEN1001P
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to teach the students the necessary skills to enable them to work safely in the clinical environment.
      • Module code: DEN1002
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to provide students with a positive foundation on which to base their professional practice in accordance with the General Dental Council (GDC) requirements for registration. Personal growth that values self and others will be integral to their overall development.
      • Module code: DEN1003
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the regional anatomy of the oral cavity, head and neck specific to dental nursing and to provide students with an understanding of the aetiology and progression of basic pathological process related to oral tissues, related to patient care.
      • Module code: DEN1004
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to provide students with the theoretical knowledge of an array of dental treatments using an evidence-based approach to support effective patient care.
      • Module code: FHS_IPE20
        Status: Compulsory
    • You will be provided with detailed knowledge through core modules in research, advanced work-based learning and health and wellbeing through.

      • Module code: DEN2001P
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to develop the students clinical skills to enable them to work safely in specialist placement environments.
      • Module code: DEN2002
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to facilitate students to recognise their responsibility to promote health and well-being to empower patients to take responsibility for their own oral healthcare where possible. Students must acquire the skills to provide anti-discriminatory practice and recognise the diverse nature and needs of patients. Students will reflect on their own contributions to the assessment of patients needs and to work with practitioners to provide prescribed, individualised interventions.
      • Module code: DEN2003
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to develop students understanding of the body systems and the disease processes linking to oral and general health.
      • Module code: DEN2004
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to provide students with the knowledge and skills to practice at an advanced level to facilitate patient care before, during and after treatment.
  • At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

    If you join our full-time Dental Nursing degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

    Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

    To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

    * UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details)

  • How will I be assessed?

    There are various assessment methods, these include:

    • Examinations
    • Viva voce
    • Clinical simulated tests
    • Presentations
    • Assignments
    • Electronic clinical portfolio.

Fees and Funding


2025/26 Tuition Fees

Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,535*

* The 2025/26 annual tuition fee for undergraduate courses has not yet been confirmed by the Department for Education but is expected to be £9,535 for year one. UON will adjust fees annually in line with government policy.

For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

    • Travel costs to and from placements, and extra costs associated with placements, may be incurred throughout your studies depending on where you are based.
    • Each student is issued 3 sets of uniforms, but any additional sets will need to be purchased by the student.
    • Black leather shoes, black socks.
  • Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250

Staff


Placeholder image for Vikki Clarke, Practice Educator - Dental Nursing

Practice Educator - Dental Nursing
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Vikki Clarke
Placeholder image for Moira Richardson, Practice Educator - Dental Nursing

Practice Educator - Dental Nursing
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Moira Richardson
Placeholder image for Brigette Gouda, Senior Lecturer - Dental

Senior Lecturer - Dental
Faculty of Health, Education and Society

Brigette Gouda

Careers and Employability


On completion of the Foundation Degree in Dental Nursing and registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) allows you to practice as a registered dental care professional within the United Kingdom. For further information visit the NHS careers website.

Extended duties to include:

  • Dental radiography, Oral hygiene education, Dental sedation, Special care dental nursing, Impression Taking, Fluoride Application.

Facilities


The Learning Hub is at the heart of the campus and home to the student information desk.

Learning Hub

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