Program Overview

Overview of the Dental Nursing Program

The Dental Nursing program at Trinity College Dublin is a two-year, full-time diploma course that empowers students with the skills and practical competence required to work in a dental environment. The program is based in the Dublin Dental University Hospital on Trinity's campus and provides students with extensive clinical exposure.

Program Details

• Duration: 2 years full-time
• Places: 25
• CAO Points: 404 (2024)
• CAO Code: TR801
• Award: Diploma (NFQ Level 7)

Admission Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: Applicants are required to present six subjects, including English, Mathematics, and one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Agricultural Science, or Physics/Chemistry.
• Mature Students: Applications may also be considered from mature applicants who do not satisfy the academic entry requirements but can demonstrate appropriate experience relevant to the course.
• English Language Requirements: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band C (Higher Entry) English language requirements.

Course Structure

The Diploma in Dental Nursing course is divided into practical and academic components. Both academic teaching and practical clinical experience are gained at the Dublin Dental University Hospital (DDUH) at Trinity College Dublin.

First Year Modules

• Microbiology and Pathology
• Physiology and Medical Emergencies: Clinical Dentistry I
• Anatomy, Public Oral Health, and Social Concepts in Dentistry
• Clinical Dentistry II and Computer Skills
• Clinical Placements I

Second Year Modules

• Clinical Dentistry III, Practice Management, and Health Psychology
• Clinical Placements II and Portfolio of Experience
• Case Study Written report and Oral Presentation

Assessment

• First year: attendance, assignments, written examinations, practical examinations, continuous clinical assessment, a clinical logbook, an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), and an oral presentation
• Second year: attendance, assignments, written examinations, practical examinations, continuous clinical assessment, an OSCE, a portfolio of experience, a case study written report, and an oral presentation

Career Opportunities

As a graduate of Dental Nursing, you can work in a variety of working environments, including dental hospitals and Health Service Executive dental clinics, as well as in general and specialist dental practices. Depending on the work setting, advancement in the field may include senior dental nurse, clinic nurse manager, practice manager, marketing representatives for relevant companies, dental nurse tutor, course coordinator, and the area of health promotion.

Further Study

Further courses of study are also available to dental nurses, including the Diploma in Orthodontic Therapy.