Level 3
Level 3 Dental Nurse Diploma
- Typical Duration: 9 – 12 Months
- Course Price: £2500
Course Overview
This qualification is designed for those who want to register with the General Dental Council (GDC) and qualify as a dental nurse. To meet the GDC’s outcomes, this qualification reflects the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours a dental nurse must have to practise safely, effectively, and professionally. The qualification fully meets The Safe Practitioner: Dental Nurse (superseding the GDC’s Preparing for practice outcomes) and meets the knowledge, skills, and behaviours (KSBs) within the Dental Nurse (GDC 2023) occupational standard. Units include underpinning ethics, professionalism, teamwork, and communication, as well as practical dental principles and techniques.
Qualification Achieved
On completion of this course, you will hold
- a NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing
Progression
The role may act as a gateway to further career and training opportunities, including, but not limited to:
- Work roles: Qualified Dental Nurse, Dental Treatment Coordinator, Lead or Senior Dental Nurse (with experience)
- Access to Higher Education Diploma
- dental Tutor, Assessor, or IQA
Aesthetic Pathways (Cosmetic and Facial Aesthetics)
Dental nurses can also explore training and roles in the aesthetic industry, such as:
- Support roles in cosmetic and aesthetic dentistry (teeth whitening, smile makeovers, veneers, etc.)
- Assisting in facial aesthetics clinics (e.g., Botox, dermal fillers) – often requires additional CPD training or specialist courses
- Training in Skin Rejuvenation, Chemical Peels, or Laser Therapy (if permitted by local regulations and scope of practice)
Placement Requirement
This qualification requires learners to complete a mandatory work/industry placement experience throughout the duration of the qualification, before certification. It is recommended that a minimum of 16 hours per week is spent in the workplace.
Learning and Assessment
Each learner will have their own dedicated tutor who will conduct remote tutorials, providing continuous support throughout the course. Depending on the learner’s needs, the frequency of these sessions may vary. This qualification is both internally and externally assessed. The assessment consists of two components:
- an internally assessed portfolio of evidence for all units, which is assessed by the centre and externally quality assured by NCFE (internal quality assurance must still be completed by the centre as usual)
- two externally set and externally marked, synoptic, MCQ tests covering the underpinning knowledge across units – the assessments will be online and on demand.
Entry Requirements
At least 16 years old.
This qualification has been allocated UCAS points. Please refer to the UCAS website for further details of the points allocation and the most up- to-date information.