Dental Nursing FdSc

Course Content

• Course Details

  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.

  Stage one

  At Stage one you will be given a solid foundation of positive knowledge, skills and attitudes that will underpin your personal and professional development with core modules that include:

  • Foundations of dental nursing
  • Introduction to biomedical science and oral biology
  • Practice Learning
  • Chairside support.

  Stage two

  At Stage two you will be provided with detailed knowledge through core modules in research, advanced work-based learning and health and wellbeing through the following modules:

  • Applied biomedical science and oral biology
  • Advanced chairside support
  • Practice Learning
  • Managing patient care.

  List of Modules:

  • Stage 1
    • Interprofessional Education (IPE)
      Module code: FHS_IPE20

      Status: Compulsory
    • Dental Nursing Practice 1 (60 Credits)
      Module code: NPR1011P

      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.
    • Foundations of Dental Nursing (20 Credits)
      Module code: NPR1012

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide you with a positive foundation on which to base your professional practice in accordance with the General Dental Council (GDC) requirements for registeration. Personal growth that values self and others will integral to your overall development.
    • Introduction to Biomedical Science and Oral Biology (20 Credits)
      Module code: NPR1013

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce you to the regional anatomy of the oral cavity head and neck specific to dental nursingProvide you with an understanding of the aetiology and progression of basic pathological process related to oral tissues related to patient care.
    • Chairside Support (20 Credits)
      Module code: NPR1014

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide the students with the theoritical knowledge of an array of dental treatments using an evidence-based approach to support effective patient care.
  • Stage 2
    • Dental Nursing Practice 2 (60 Credits)
      Module code: NPR2049P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop the students clinical skills to enable them to work safely in specialist placement environments.
    • Managing Patient Care (20 Credits)
      Module code: NPR2050

      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.
    • Applied Biomedical Science and Oral Biology (20 Credits)
      Module code: NPR2051

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop the students to have an understanding of the body systems and the disease processes linking to oral and general health
    • Advanced Chairside Support (20 Credits)
      Module code: NPR2052

      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.

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• Placements

  Placement hosts throughout the two year programme across Northamptonshire and beyond.

  You will be offere a range of work placements in environments such as general dental practices, hospitals and orthodontics, which will allow you to develop your competence in a range of skills before you register with the General Dental Council.

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• Entry Requirements

  A typical offer would be:

  • DEE at A Level or MPP at BTEC
  • we also accept NVQ Level 3 (any subject).

  In addition, you will need to have achieved a GCSE in English Language (or equivalent) at grade C/4 or above.

  Please note that all offers of a place on the programme are subject to:

  • successful Occupational Health Screening and
  • a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report.

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

  English Language Requirements

  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.

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• Fees and Funding

  UK & EU

  2020/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,450 per 20 credit module

  Additional Costs

  • Travel costs to and from placements, and extra costs associated with placements, may be incurred throughout your studies depending on where you are based.
  • Student Dental Nurses and Indemnity Insurance. You can discuss this with the practice leads Vikki Clarke and Moira Richardson who will be able to advise you in relation to the bodies offering student membership and cover, and how to manage this process as we will also present information in taught sessions to ensure that you have the information you need.
  • First set of clinical uniform is free but additional uniforms have to be purchased by the student.
  • Black leather shoes, black socks.

  2019/20 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 19/20 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  Full Time: £9,250
  Part Time: £1,400 per 20 credit module

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• Professional Body: General Dental Council

  On successful completion of the this Dental Nursing FdSc award, you will be able to apply for registration with the General Dental Council (GDC).

  Student Dental Nurses and Indemnity Insurance

  Following General Dental Council guidelines all persons working with patients in the clinical environment require indemnity insurance. Following contact with placement hosts, they have requested that student dental nurses provide their own indemnity insurance as many dental practices do not cover dental nurses or dental nursing students.

  We recognise that you will need advice in relation to how to source and obtain the right level of cover. You can discuss this with the practice leads Vikki Clarke and Moira Richardson who will be able to advise you in relation to the bodies offering student membership and cover, and how to manage this process as we will also present information in taught sessions to ensure that you have the information you need.

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• Student Perks

  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 this full time 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.

  To check out the full list of perks visit our Student Perks page.

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• Frequently Asked Questions

  How will I be assessed?

  Assessment methods used on the FdSc Dental Nursing course include coursework and a work-based portfolio.

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Careers and Employability

Through studying this Foundation Degree you will be able to develop careers in areas of dental nursing including radiography, oral hygiene instruction, sedation, work-based mentoring and special care dental nursing.