Program Overview

Dental Nursing CertHE

Overview

Dental nurses support dental care professionals in all aspects of dental treatment and patient care and are an integral part of the dental team. On this 1-year full-time, 2-year part-time CertHE Dental Nursing course, accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC), you’ll get the knowledge and practical skills required to achieve safe beginner status, become a vital member of the dental team and register with the GDC when you graduate.

Course Highlights

• Build your team-working skills by studying alongside dental hygiene, dental therapy and final year dental students from King’s College London Dental Institute
• Use some of the best dental facilities for students in the country at our Dental Academy, with 44 treatment bays, 2 individual surgeries, a phantom head skill lab, full radiography suite and an electronic patient records system
• Work with real patients in the local community, gaining valuable work experience supporting our dental outreach projects such as working with the homeless community and Portsmouth Football Club
• Placement opportunities in environments such as special care dentistry, maxillofacial departments and general dental practices
• Qualify with a CertHE in Dental Nursing when you complete the course, which allows you to register with the GDC as a dental nurse

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the General Dental Council (GDC).

Entry Requirements

Typical Offer (September 2025 Start)

• A levels - CDD
• UCAS points - 80 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points in a pure Science subject
• T-levels - Pass (C or above in the core) - Merit
• BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - MMP
• International Baccalaureate - 26

Selection Process

• All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in support of their application
• Applicants must pass Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health checks before starting the course

English Language Requirements

• English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 7.0 with no component score below 6.5

Facilities and Specialist Equipment

• Dental Academy with 44 treatment bays, 2 individual surgeries, a phantom head skill lab, full radiography suite and an electronic patient records system

Careers and Opportunities

• Dental nurses offer vital support to dentists and patients by ensuring they have all they need to treat patients
• Opportunities to work in general dental practice, hospital dental services, the community dental service or in the Armed Forces
• Potential salary: £20,330 (Band 3) to £31,534 (Band 5) in the NHS

Modules

Full-time

• Foundation of Evidence Based Practice (Dental) - 20 credits
• Foundations of Dental Nursing Professional Practice - 40 credits
• Fundamentals of Dental Nursing Practice - 20 credits
• Science Informing Practice (Dental) - 40 credits

Part-time

• Foundations of Dental Nursing Professional Practice - 40 credits
• Fundamentals of Dental Nursing Practice - 20 credits
• Foundation of Evidence Based Practice (Dental) - 20 credits
• Science Informing Practice (Dental) - 40 credits

How You'll Spend Your Time

• 35 hours of study per week (full-time)
• 2 days of teaching per week (part-time, teaching block 1)
• 1 day of teaching per week (part-time, teaching block 2)

Supporting You

• Personal tutor
• Learning support tutors
• Academic skills support
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Disability advice and additional support
• Library support

Course Costs and Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students: £9,535 per year (full-time), £4,767 per year (part-time)
• EU students: £9,535 per year (full-time), £4,767 per year (part-time)
• International students: £17,200 per year (full-time), £8,600 per year (part-time)

Additional Course Costs

• Accommodation and living costs
• Recommended reading
• General costs (photocopying, memory sticks, etc.)
• Clinical equipment (scrubs, visor frame, etc.)
• Travel costs (outreach locations, conference trips, etc.)