Practice Educator - Dental Nursing
Faculty of Health, Education and Society
Dental Nursing FdSc
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Key Facts
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UCAS Code
B750
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Level
UndergraduateUG FdSc
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Duration
2 years Full time
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Starting
September
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DD at A Level
MPP at BTEC -
Full Time: £9,535
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Waterside
Updated 27/11/2024
Updated 27/11/2024
Get in touch
For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:
UK/EU STUDENTS ENQUIRIES
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.
Highlights
- Leads to the General Dental Council (GDC) registration.
- Uses General Dental Council Standards for the Dental Team (2013) and the General Dental Council (2015) through learning.
- Range of work placements in dental environments.
- HP laptop and software included with this course for eligible students* (*see eligibility criteria and terms and conditions).
An example of the dental tools used by students in placement at Northampton General Hospital.
A group seminar
In dental nursing, there are practical practice sessions using the tools in demo scenarios
The Specialist Observation room allows academics and others to watch students in scenarios, using the skills and knowledge they have built up from the degree.
The camera control equipment used in the observation suite
Manikin are used in session to help students develop their skills.
The hand washing scanner helps students understand the importance of hygiene.
Specialist labs and simulations suites allow students to have hands-on experience.
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.
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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.
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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.
Placements
You will be allocated clinical placements throughout the two-year course across Northamptonshire and surrounding areas. You will be offered a range of clinical experiences in general dental practices, hospitals, orthodontics, and community settings. This will allow you to develop your competencies in a range of clinical skills before applying to register with the General Dental Council.
Course Content
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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.
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You will be given a solid foundation of positive knowledge, skills and attitudes that will underpin your personal and professional development.
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Dental Nursing Practice 1 (60 Credits)
Module code: DEN1001PStatus: CompulsoryThe purpose of this module is to teach the students the necessary skills to enable them to work safely in the clinical environment.
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Foundations of Dental Nursing (20 Credits)
Module code: DEN1002Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Introduction to Biomedical Science and Oral Biology (20 Credits)
Module code: DEN1003Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Chairside Support (20 Credits)
Module code: DEN1004Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Interprofessional Education (IPE)
Module code: FHS_IPE20Status: Compulsory
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Dental Nursing Practice 1 (60 Credits)
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You will be provided with detailed knowledge through core modules in research, advanced work-based learning and health and wellbeing through.
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Dental Nursing Practice 2 (60 Credits)
Module code: DEN2001PStatus: CompulsoryThe purpose of this module is to develop the students clinical skills to enable them to work safely in specialist placement environments.
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Managing Patient Care (20 Credits)
Module code: DEN2002Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Applied Biomedical Science and Oral Biology (20 Credits)
Module code: DEN2003Status: CompulsoryThe purpose of this module is to develop students understanding of the body systems and the disease processes linking to oral and general health.
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Advanced Chairside Support (20 Credits)
Module code: DEN2004Status: CompulsoryThe 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.
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Dental Nursing Practice 2 (60 Credits)
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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)
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How will I be assessed?
There are various assessment methods, these include:
- Examinations
- Viva voce
- Clinical simulated tests
- Presentations
- Assignments
- Electronic clinical portfolio.
Student Story: Tegan Tapner
"As it covers both theory and placement, I now have the work experience behind me to get a job straight after qualifying, as well as the confidence, knowledge and professionalism to work safely."
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.
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- 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.
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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
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.
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