Dental Nursing FdSc

Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    B750

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Duration

    2 years Full time

  • Starting

    September

  • DD at A Level
    MPP at BTEC

  • Fees UK 24/25

    Full Time: £9,250

  • Location

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.

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

Updated 14/03/2024

Highlights


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 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

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

      • Module code: FHS_IPE20
        Status: Compulsory
      • 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.
      • 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.
      • 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.
      • 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.
    • You will be provided with detailed knowledge through core modules in research, advanced work-based learning and health and wellbeing through.

      • 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.
      • 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.
      • 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
      • 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.
  • 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.

    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.
  • 2024/25 Tuition Fees

    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
    2023/24 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £9,250
    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.
    • 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.

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

  • 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.

Staff


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


Learning Hub


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

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