Program Overview

Course Overview

The Higher Certificate in Science in Dental Nursing has the approval of the Dental Council of Ireland. This course will give you the clinical competence to work as a dental nurse. Students with an interest in teamwork and communication will be supported to assist within a dental team.

Why Take This Course?

Dental nurses play an essential role in the dental practice. They assist the dentist during dental procedures. Their duties include:

• Preparing the surgery and assisting at chairside during dental procedures.
• Infection, Prevention and control procedures including decontamination of dental instruments, equipment and dental surgeries.
• Recording dental charting, maintaining treatment records and assisting with developing dental radiographs.
• Liaising and supporting patients and dental colleagues in the case of a medical emergency and delivering appropriate oral health promotion advice.
• They may also be responsible for administrative duties, such as making appointments and bookkeeping. Employment opportunities include private dental practice, dental hospitals, and the public sector (HSE).

Entry Requirements

Leaving Certificate

A minimum of 5 O6/H7 grades in Leaving Certificate subjects, including a laboratory based Science subject and English/Irish.

QQI

The minimum entry requirements for applicants with a QQI level 5 award are: any level 5 QQI award.

Mature Applicants

A limited number of places are available for mature applicants (23 years of age or over on the first day of January on the year of application). Mature applicants must satisfy the minimum entry requirements for the Programme and will also be assessed through face-to-face interview.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application.

Course Modules

Year 1 - Semester 1

• Dental Anatomy & Oral Disease I
• Infection Prevention & Control
• Clinical Dentistry I
• Evidence based practice for Healthcare
• Human Anatomy & Physiology for Healthcare

Year 1 - Semester 2

• Clinical Dentistry II
• Preparation for Dental Nursing Practice Placement
• Clinical Dental Nursing Placement I
• Dental Anatomy & Oral Diease II
• Anatomy, Physiology & Pharmacology for Healthcare

Year 2 - Semester 1

• Clinical Dentistry III
• Clinical Dental Nursing Placement II
• Sociology for Healthcare
• Psychology and Communication
• Dental Research (Evidence Based Practice)

Year 2 - Semester 2

• Clinical Dentistry IV
• Oral Health Promotion
• Clinical Dental Nursing Placement III
• Health & Safety in the Dental Practice
• Dental Practice Management

Career Opportunities

Many dental nurses progress to Senior Dental Nursing roles and Clinical Dental Nurse managers. Other progressive parts include Dental Nurse Tutor / Educators, Practice Management, Treatment Co-Ordination, Marketing representatives within the dental field and Oral Health Promotion.

Further Study

Further study pathways include; Orthodontic therapy, Dental Hygiene, Sedation training, Radiography, and Dental Implant nursing.

Additional Information

All offers will be subject to Garda Vetting. Due to the risk of exposure to infectious agents in the clinical environment all applicants will be required to undertake a Hepatitis B vaccination.