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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing
Ref:
601/2251/1
Sector:
Health, Public Services and Care, Health
Features:
Licence to Practice, UCAS, Dental
Registration & certification fee:
£270.50
Level:
Level 3
Minimum entry age:
16
GLH:
366
TQT:
490
Credit value:
49
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.
This qualification encompasses the current General Dental Council (GDC) learning outcomes and Skills for Health National Occupational Standards.
The GDC has confirmed approval of the qualification which is listed on their website and on completion, learners will be able to apply for registration as a dental nurse with the GDC.
Please note: centres must have GDC registered staff in place to deliver these qualifications, before applying for approval.
This qualification can be taken as part of the Advanced Apprenticeship in Health (Dental Nursing) in Wales.
It is not suitable for the Apprenticeship Standard in England. Learners wishing to take the qualification as part of the Apprenticeship Standard in England should select the Level 3 Diploma in the Principles and Practice of Dental Nursing (Integrated Apprenticeship).
What does this qualification cover?
The qualification focuses on direct chair-side work and support during a range of dental treatments. It encompasses the underpinning ethics, professionalism, teamwork and communication required to work as a dental nurse.
Who is it suitable for?
All those who wish to work as a dental nurse or trainee dental nurse and who wish to obtain a dental nursing qualification leading to GDC registration.
What are the entry requirements?
Learners should be at least 16 years old. It is the Centre’s responsibility to ensure that learners have the necessary underpinning knowledge before entering a placement/the workplace. We do not set any other entry requirements but colleges or training providers may have their own guidelines.
How many credits are required to complete it?
Learners must achieve 49 credits from the 17 mandatory units.
All knowledge and skills Learning Outcomes and Assessment Criteria must be met for each unit. In addition, learners must achieve a pass, merit or distinction in the two external assessment tests (part 1 and part 2) covering the underpinning knowledge across units DN 12-16.
There is no compensation between units or between observations and unit tasks within a unit.
Do you need to be working to take this qualification?
Learners will need to be working or on practical placement to be able to show competence in both knowledge and skills.
It is recommended that a minimum of 16 hours per week be spent in a real work environment.
How long does it take to complete?
Learners can usually complete this standalone qualification, in two years or less.
What related qualifications can you progress to?
Learners can progress to a range of qualifications in the following areas:
• specialist dental nursing roles
• dental hygiene or therapy
• dental technology
• teaching dental nursing
• dental practice management
Which type of job roles can you apply for on completion?
Learners may progress into employment as a Dental Nurse or to other career pathways including:
• dental hygiene and therapy
• dental technician
• practice management
• teaching and assessing
• lecturing
Funding for our qualifications
Find out more about funding for this and other qualifications on the Funding page.
Useful Links
Regulations for the Conduct of External Assessment
Qualification Specific Instructions for Delivery (QSID)
Support materials
Qualification specification (PDF | 891 KB)
Qualification specification (Word) (DOCX | 541 KB)
Qualification approval and EQA reviews (PDF | 643 KB)
Appendices, policies and statements (PDF | 961 KB)
Qualification factsheet (PDF | 92 KB)
Mapping of changes (PDF | 121 KB)
Support Handbook (PDF | 327 KB)
Assessment materials
Assessment specification (PDF | 3578 KB)
Sample assessment tasks (PDF | 1625 KB)
Exemplar Test Paper Part 1 (PDF | 294 KB)
Exemplar Test Paper Part 2 (PDF | 240 KB)
Exemplar Answer Key Part 1 (PDF | 82 KB)
Exemplar Answer Key Part 2 (PDF | 42 KB)
Unit breakdown
Understand Ethics and Professionalism in Dental Nursing (A/505/8353)
First Aid Essentials (D/504/6101)
Provide Support During the Provision of Fixed and Removable Prosthesis (D/505/8345)
Contribute to Health and Safety in the Dental Environment (F/505/8337)
Promote Oral Health for Individuals (F/505/8340)
Provide Support During Non-Surgical Endodontic Treatment (H/505/8346)
Work Within Regulatory Requirements in Relation to the Role of a Dental Nurse (J/505/8338)
Prepare and Maintain Environments, Instruments and Equipment for Clinical Dental Procedures (J/505/8341)
Provide Support During the Extraction of Teeth and Minor Oral Surgery Procedures (K/505/8347)
Dental Anatomy and Assessment of Oral Health (K/505/8350)
Reflect on and Develop Own Practice as a Dental Nurse (L/505/8339)
Provide Support During the Assessment of Individuals' Oral Health (L/505/8342)
Principles of Infection Control in the Dental Environment (M/505/8348)
Principles and Techniques of Dental Radiography (M/505/8351)
Contribute to the Production of Dental Images (R/505/8343)
Principles of Managing Oral Disease and Dental Procedures (T/505/8352)
Provide Support During the Prevention and Control of Periodontal Disease, Caries and the Restoration of Cavities (Y/505/8344)
MCQ Paper 1 (MCQ1/2251/1)
MCQ Paper 2 (MCQ2/2251/1)