Program Overview

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Course Overview

The Diploma in Dental Nursing is a program designed to meet the needs of the general dental community, standardizing dental nurse training in Ireland. It was developed as a joint initiative between Cork University Dental School and Hospital and the Dublin Dental University Hospital.

Course Details

• Code: N/A
• Duration: Pathway 1: 16 months part-time (Special Purpose Award); Pathway 2: 2 years full-time (Clinical Training)
• Qualifications: DipDN
• NFQ Level: Level 7
• Fees: Please see the Fees Office for more information

Course Outline

The course aims to provide students with the practical skills supported by theoretical knowledge to develop an understanding of the dental nurse's role and responsibility as part of the dental team. Successful completion of this course will permit entry onto the Voluntary Register for Dental Nurses with the Dental Council of Ireland.

Modules

Pathway 1: Part-time 16-month programme

• DN1001 Ethical Issues in the Provision of Dental Care (5 credits)
• DN1002 Microbiology and Cross Infection Control for Dental Nurses (15 credits)
• DN1005 Dental Anatomy and Physiology (Oral and Systemic) for Dental Nursing (10 credits)
• DN1007 Dental Pathology and Disease (10 credits)
• DN1008 Restorative Dentistry for Dental Nurses (10 credits)
• DN1009 Oral Surgery for Dental Nurses (10 credits)
• DN1011 Oral Health and Development for Dental Nurses (10 credits)
• DN1012 Dental Practice Administration (5 credits)
• DN1013 Clinical Student Portfolio (20 credits)
• DN1015 Medical Emergencies for Dental Nurses (10 credits)
• DN1016 Dental Research-Based Project (15 credits)

Pathway 2: Full-time (Clinical Training) 2-year programme

Year 1

• DN1001 Ethical Issues in the Provision of Dental Care (5 credits)
• DN1002 Microbiology and Cross Infection Control for Dental Nurses (15 credits)
• DN1005 Dental Anatomy and Physiology (Oral and Systemic) for Dental Nursing (10 credits)
• DN1007 Dental Pathology and Disease (10 credits)
• DN1008 Restorative Dentistry for Dental Nurses (10 credits)
• DN1009 Oral Surgery for Dental Nurses (10 credits)

Year 2

• DN2111 Oral Health and Development for Dental Nurses (10 credits)
• DN2112 Dental Practice Administration (5 credits)
• DN2113 Clinical Logbook (20 credits)
• DN2115 Medical Emergencies for Dental Nurses (10 credits)
• DN2116 Dental Research-Based Project (15 credits)

Course Practicalities

• Expected lecture hours: Students are required to attend lectures each Wednesday evening from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
• Expected lab/practical hours: A practical workshop will take place at Easter time for one week, which all students must attend.

Why Choose This Course

This course delivers a high standard of education, using state-of-the-art technology to provide dental nursing education outside of the major dental hospital centers in Ireland. The employment rate of graduates is extremely high, and there is also an opportunity to travel with the qualification.

Requirements

• Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements: O6/H7 in at least five subjects in the Leaving Certificate.
• Mature Students: Mature applicants should be 23 years old on or before 1st January of the year of application.
• English Language Requirements: For English language requirements, please see the English Language Requirements for EU Applicants.
• Fitness to Practice: This program is subject to UCC's Fitness to Practise Policy.
• Student Garda Vetting: This requirement is for students on the full-time course only.

Fees and Costs

Please see the Fees Office for more information on course fees.

How to Apply

Application for 2026 Entry is now open. Click the 'Apply' button to begin the application process. Non-EU candidates and applicants competing with a QQI FET qualification only are not eligible to apply for this program.

Supporting Documents

• School Leaving Part-Time applications:
  • Leaving Certificate Results
  • Evidence of English Language proficiency (if applicable)
  • Passport Photo
  • Proof of Identity
  • Transcripts
  • Verification of Employment and Employer Declaration form
• Mature Part-Time applications:
  • Mature Applicants must be at least 23 years of age at the time of application
  • Applicants must be employed as a trainee dental nurse in a practice
  • Evidence of English Language proficiency (if applicable)
  • Passport Photo
  • Proof of Identity
  • Verification of Employment and Employer Declaration form
  • Transcripts
• School Leaving Full-Time applications:
  • Reference x 2
  • Leaving Certificate Results
  • Proof of Identity
  • Transcripts
  • Evidence of English Language proficiency (if applicable)
• Mature Full-Time applications:
  • Reference x 2
  • Mature applicants must be 23 years of age at the time of application
  • Evidence of English Language proficiency (if applicable)
  • Passport Photo
  • Proof of Identity
  • Transcripts

Contact Details

For queries regarding course content or timetables, please contact the relevant department.